Is Jukebox a good place to start with Cat Power?

Yes, Jukebox is recommended as a starting point for new Cat Power listeners. A soulful collection of covers that blends Cat Power's signature melancholy with the timeless essence of classic American songs. Released on January 22, 2008, Jukebox was Cat Power's follow-up to her critically acclaimed album The Greatest. At this point in her career, she had solidified her status as a distinctive voice in the alternative rock scene, known for her emotive interpretations and personal songwriting style. This album marked a shift towards revisiting and reinterpreting songs by other artists, showcasing her unique ability to infuse new life into established classics.

Jukebox works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, heartfelt emotional reflections and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Jukebox?

Jukebox has 13 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Jukebox

Cat Power · 2008

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A soulful collection of covers that blends Cat Power's signature melancholy with the timeless essence of classic American songs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New York Start here — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its sparse instrumentation and heartfelt delivery, capturing the essence of loss and nostalgia inherent in the album.
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I Believe in You — Cat Power's rendition transforms this affirmation into a poignant meditation on faith and vulnerability, showcasing her emotional depth and vocal prowess.
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Don’t Explain — Her interpretation of this Billie Holiday classic stands out for its raw honesty, allowing listeners to feel the weight of heartbreak conveyed through each note.
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Song to Bobby — This track serves as a tribute to Bob Dylan with a haunting arrangement that reflects both homage and personal connection, embodying the spirit of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Cat Power's unique vocal interpretations but remains rooted in familiar material.

What we noticed

Several tracks reinterpret classic songs with a slower tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the original versions.
The sequencing includes a gradual build in emotional intensity, culminating in the more powerful vocal performances toward the end.

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

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

steady, consistent energy levels
heartfelt emotional reflections
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative late-night moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog focused on covers, not her most accessible work.
Career context: Released on January 22, 2008, Jukebox was Cat Power's follow-up to her critically acclaimed album The Greatest. At this point in her career, she had solidified her status as a distinctive voice in the alternative rock scene, known for her emotive interpretations and personal songwriting style. This album marked a shift towards revisiting and reinterpreting songs by other artists, showcasing her unique ability to infuse new life into established classics.
Stylistic neighbors: Fiona Apple· Angel Olsen· Neko Case