In the Time of Gods
Dar Williams · 2012
33 min · 10 tracks · country music
A rich tapestry of folk storytelling woven with contemplative melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Am the One Who Will Remember Everything — This opening track sets the reflective tone of the album with its exploration of memory and identity, encapsulating Williams' poetic lyricism.
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You Will Ride With Me Tonight — This song blends personal narrative with universal themes of companionship and longing, showcasing Williams' gift for storytelling through music.
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Storm King — As a climactic piece on the album, it captures a moment of emotional turmoil and resilience, highlighting Williams' ability to convey deep feelings through vivid imagery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong storytelling and layered instrumentation, making it a solid entry in contemporary folk.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build in instrumentation, layering strings and harmonies that create a rich soundscape.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word sections, blending narrative elements with melodic lines to enhance storytelling.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly in the last two tracks, which shift to more introspective themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective reflections on nature
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- thoughtful storytelling through melodies
- for quiet afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In the Time of Gods is Dar Williams' seventh studio album, released after her 2008 album Promised Land. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her reputation as a significant voice in contemporary folk music, known for her introspective songwriting and connection to social themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucy Kaplansky· Nanci Griffith· Mary Chapin Carpenter
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Crystal Creek
The shift from a serene description of nature to an introspective reflection on personal growth creates a powerful contrast.
This transition emphasizes a juxtaposition between external beauty and internal struggle, showcasing Williams' skill in blending nature imagery with self-exploration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Am the One Who Will Remember Everything 3:33
- 2 This Earth 3:12
- 3 I Have Been Around the World 3:17
- 4 The Light and the Sea 3:42
- 5 You Will Ride With Me Tonight 2:41
- 6 Crystal Creek 3:55
- 7 Summer Child 3:05
- 8 I Will Free Myself 3:15
- 9 Write This Number Down 3:00
- 10 Storm King 3:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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