Kerosene Man
Steve Wynn · 1990
49 min · 11 tracks
A gritty blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of early '90s alt-rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tears Won’t Help — This opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, showcasing Wynn's strength in storytelling through music.
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Kerosene Man — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and existential reflection while exhibiting a raw energy that defines the record's sound.
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Anthem — Closing the album with an anthemic quality, this track blends poignant lyrics with an uplifting melody, leaving listeners with a sense of hope amidst uncertainty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and a cohesive sound, marking a notable shift in Wynn's career.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and introspective themes.
- Many songs utilize a consistent verse-chorus structure, with lyrics that explore personal and Americana themes.
- The instrumentation prominently features jangly guitars and a steady rhythm section, creating a cohesive alt-rock sound throughout.
- 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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- haunting melodies for introspection
- songs that evoke yearning
- evening listening with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Kerosene Man, released in 1990, was Steve Wynn's first solo album after disbanding The Dream Syndicate, marking a significant shift in his musical direction. At this point, Wynn was transitioning from his established band sound to a more personal and varied solo artistry, aiming to carve out his identity in the burgeoning alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Dream Syndicate· Yo La Tengo· R.E.M.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tears Won’t Help 4:57
- 2 Carolyn 3:56
- 3 The Blue Drifter 4:45
- 4 Younger 3:43
- 5 Under the Weather 4:22
- 6 Here on Earth as Well 4:38
- 7 Something to Remember Me By 3:49
- 8 Killing Time 4:27
- 9 Conspiracy of the Heart 5:13
- 10 Kerosene Man 4:04
- 11 Anthem 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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