Is Is a Woman a good place to start with Lambchop?

Yes, Is a Woman is recommended as a starting point for new Lambchop listeners. A lush tapestry of alt-country sounds woven with orchestral elements and introspective lyrics creates a captivating atmosphere. Released in 2002, Is a Woman marked Lambchop's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed record, Nixon. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that blended country, pop, and avant-garde influences, showcasing their artistic evolution while maintaining a loyal fanbase.

Who is Is a Woman for?

Is a Woman works well if you're into wave-like pacing with emotional depth, introspective moments for quiet reflection and dynamic flow with varied intensity.

How many songs are on Is a Woman?

Is a Woman has 14 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Is a Woman

Lambchop · 2002

77 min · 14 tracks · alternative country

A lush tapestry of alt-country sounds woven with orchestral elements and introspective lyrics creates a captivating atmosphere.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Daily Growl Start here — Opening the album with its slow-burning instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, this track sets the reflective tone that permeates throughout Is a Woman.
→
I Can Hardly Spell My Name — This track showcases Lambchop's signature blend of irony and sincerity, featuring intricate melodies that highlight the band’s nuanced songwriting.
→
Is a Woman — As the title track, it encapsulates the thematic essence of the album, merging poignant lyrics with haunting orchestration that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Lambchop's blend of orchestral and alt-country elements creates a unique yet accessible sound, though it may not resonate widely outside its genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, with shifts in tempo and dynamics that challenge typical alt-country forms.
The lyrics often employ abstract imagery and introspective themes, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the narrative.
The final track fades out slowly, leaving a lingering sense of reflection that contrasts with the more energetic pieces earlier in the album.

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

Influence 4/10

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

wave-like pacing with emotional depth
introspective moments for quiet reflection
dynamic flow with varied intensity
tender melodies for late-night solitude

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The album showcases Lambchop's ambitious sound and solidified their artistic influence.
Themes: slow-burning introspection· nuanced songwriting
Career context: Released in 2002, Is a Woman marked Lambchop's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed record, Nixon. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that blended country, pop, and avant-garde influences, showcasing their artistic evolution while maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Will Oldham· Red House Painters· The National