In These Times
Peter, Paul and Mary · 2003
47 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A reflective tapestry of folk melodies intertwining with social consciousness and heartfelt storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Union Medley: You Gotta Go Down and Join the Union / Put It on the Ground / Union Maid / We Shall Not Be Moved / Which Side Are You On? — This track serves as a powerful anthem for labor rights, combining multiple traditional songs into a cohesive medley that emphasizes solidarity and activism. Its rich historical context connects listeners to the struggles of workers throughout American history.
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Have You Been to Jail for Justice? — This song challenges listeners to consider the sacrifices made for justice, echoing themes of civil disobedience prevalent in both past and present movements. Its poignant message aligns with the album's overall focus on activism.
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Don't Laugh at Me — A touching narrative that addresses bullying and empathy, this track resonates deeply with listeners by promoting understanding and compassion toward marginalized individuals. It exemplifies the group's ability to address serious issues through accessible storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional folk with modern themes, offering thoughtful lyrics and varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others slow down for reflective moments, particularly in the latter half of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- steady reflective listening experience
- themes of justice and community
- suitable for thoughtful gatherings
- poignant moments of introspection
- engaging sing-along opportunities
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In These Times marked Peter, Paul and Mary's first studio album in over a decade, following their 1999 release, Around the Campfire. The trio returned to their roots in folk music while also addressing contemporary social issues, showcasing their enduring relevance in a changing musical landscape. By this point in their career, their legacy as folk icons was firmly established, yet they sought to infuse new life into their classic sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Kingston Trio· Simon & Garfunkel· The Brothers Four
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Union Medley: You Gotta Go Down and Join the Union / Put It on the Ground / Union Maid / We Shall Not Be Moved / Which Side Are You On? 6:50
- 2 Have You Been to Jail for Justice? 2:28
- 3 Jesus Is on the Wire 3:25
- 4 Don't Laugh at Me 4:38
- 5 Wayfaring Stranger 3:09
- 6 How Can I Keep From Singing? / The Great Storm Is Over 4:12
- 7 Invisible People 3:19
- 8 Of This World 3:20
- 9 Some Walls 2:37
- 10 All God's Critters 2:30
- 11 It's Magic 4:04
- 12 Oh, Had I a Golden Thread 7:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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