Is and Always Was
Daniel Johnston · 2009
39 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
Raw and whimsical melodies entwine with poignant lyrics, capturing the essence of outsider artistry in a lo-fi setting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fake Records of Rock and Roll — This track cleverly critiques the music industry while reflecting Johnston's own complicated relationship with fame and authenticity, blending humor with sincerity.
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Without You — A hauntingly beautiful ballad, this song encapsulates deep feelings of longing and vulnerability, highlighting Johnston's emotional depth through simple yet evocative lyrics.
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Is and Always Was — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on permanence and self-identity, showcasing Johnston’s distinctive vocal delivery paired with minimalist instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases unique songwriting and raw production but lacks some polish and cohesion.
What we noticed
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in melody and tempo, which reflect Johnston's outsider artistry.
- The lyrics frequently blend whimsical imagery with darker themes, creating a contrast that invites deeper reflection from the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical melodies for lighthearted moments
- short tracks for quick engagement
- raw emotion in every note
- nostalgic reflections on simple joys
Maybe skip if you
- seeking polished, high-production sound
- prefer lengthy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Is and Always Was was Daniel Johnston's first studio album in nearly a decade, following the critically acclaimed but commercially underwhelming Fear Yourself from 2003. At this point in his career, Johnston had already established himself as an influential figure in indie music, yet remained an enigmatic artist grappling with mental health challenges.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeff Mangum· Elliott Smith· The Mountain Goats
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mind Movies 3:01
- 2 Fake Records of Rock and Roll 3:35
- 3 Queenie the Doggie 3:35
- 4 High Horse 2:33
- 5 Shoe 4:38
- 6 Without You 3:14
- 7 I Had Lost My Mind 1:21
- 8 Freedom 1:41
- 9 Tears 3:22
- 10 Is and Always Was 3:03
- 11 Lost in My Infinite Memory 3:03
- 12 Light of Day 6:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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