Kids in the Street
Justin Townes Earle · 2017
42 min · 12 tracks · country music
A poignant exploration of Americana woven with heartfelt storytelling and the struggles of everyday life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Champagne Corolla — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its vivid storytelling and relatable themes of longing and nostalgia, emphasizing Earle's lyrical prowess.
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Kids in the Street — The title track encapsulates the album’s essence, reflecting on youth and change while embodying a sense of place that resonates throughout Earle's work.
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If I Was the Devil — In this song, Earle grapples with moral complexities through clever imagery and sharp observations that challenge listeners to reflect on their choices.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling and craftsmanship, with a cohesive sound that reflects Earle's roots.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano driving most tracks.
- Lyrically, the songs often tell stories that reflect personal experiences and social observations, creating a narrative thread throughout.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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 flow
- storytelling that evokes nostalgia
- for late-night drives
- intimate moments of quiet reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic music
- seeking danceable, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 26, 2017, 'Kids in the Street' is Justin Townes Earle's fifth studio album, following 2014's 'Absent Fathers'. At this point in his career, Earle had established himself as a significant voice in Americana and country music, showcasing a mature sound that reflects personal growth and a deeper engagement with his roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sturgill Simpson· Jason Isbell· Kacey Musgraves
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Champagne Corolla 3:38
- 2 Maybe a Moment 3:06
- 3 What's She Crying For 3:54
- 4 15-25 4:03
- 5 Kids in the Street 3:53
- 6 Faded Valentine 3:45
- 7 What's Goin' Wrong 3:25
- 8 Short Hair Woman 2:50
- 9 Same Old Stagolee 3:42
- 10 If I Was the Devil 2:35
- 11 Trouble Is 3:22
- 12 There Go a Fool 4:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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