What makes Infamous Angel by Iris DeMent notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, being highlighted by publications such as Rolling Stone and earning DeMent a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Its influence on the Americana genre is profound, paving the way for future artists who blend traditional country with introspective lyricism. Infamous Angel marks Iris DeMent's debut album, released in 1992 when she was just starting her career. The record introduced her unique voice and songwriting style to a wider audience, establishing her as a significant figure in contemporary folk and country music.

How many songs are on Infamous Angel?

Infamous Angel has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Infamous Angel

Iris DeMent · 1992

38 min · 11 tracks · country music

A blend of poignant storytelling and haunting melodies that captures the essence of rural American life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let the Mystery Be — This opening track encapsulates DeMent's lyrical depth and distinctive vocal style, setting the tone for the entire album with its exploration of life's uncertainties.
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Our Town — With vivid imagery, this song paints a nostalgic picture of small-town life, showcasing DeMent's ability to evoke emotion through simple yet powerful storytelling.
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Infamous Angel — The title track is a heartfelt reflection on love and loss, demonstrating DeMent's signature blend of vulnerability and strength in her songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

DeMent's debut blends poignant storytelling with haunting melodies, establishing her unique voice in Americana.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a solo piano and vocal, setting a reflective tone that continues through the album.
Several tracks feature sparse instrumentation, allowing DeMent's voice and lyrics to take center stage.
Tracks vary in tempo, with some maintaining a steady rhythm while others slow down for emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Let the Mystery Be 2:46
2 These Hills 3:40
3 Hotter Than Mojave in My Heart 2:33
4 When Love Was Young 3:38
5 Our Town 4:58
6 Fifty Miles of Elbow Room 3:12
7 Infamous Angel 3:46
8 Sweet Forgiveness 2:44
9 After You’re Gone 4:04
10 Mama’s Opry 3:25
11 Higher Ground 3:34

What to play next

Listen next

My Life

1993

Full Iris DeMent discography Artists like Iris DeMent

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata