Released 30 years ago
Kind Hearted Woman
Michelle Shocked · 1996
44 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A blend of introspective folk melodies with sharp, socially-aware lyrics that reflect on personal and collective struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Stillborn — The opening track sets a contemplative tone with its haunting melody and addresses themes of loss and existential reflection. It's a strong introduction to the album's emotional depth.
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A Child Like Grace — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of innocence and vulnerability, encapsulating the album's narrative arc about personal growth amidst hardship.
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Cold Comfort — With its intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the essence of seeking solace during difficult times, making it a memorable highlight of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and cohesive themes, making it a solid entry in Shocked's discography.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a reflective mood, while the fourth track introduces a more percussive strumming style.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the last track, creating a sense of resolution after the preceding narrative arcs.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- introspective storytelling with warmth
- thoughtful reflections for quiet moments
- gentle melodies for evening solace
- narrative arcs that unfold slowly
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Kind Hearted Woman' was released in 1996, Michelle Shocked was already an established figure in the folk music scene, following her breakthrough album 'Short Sharp Shocked' in 1988. This record marked her return after several years and showcased a matured sound characterized by deeper lyrical themes and diverse instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mary Chapin Carpenter· Nina Nastasia· Dar Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Stillborn 5:43
- 2 Homestead 3:32
- 3 Winter Wheat 4:15
- 4 Cold Comfort 5:34
- 5 Eddie 3:38
- 6 A Child Like Grace 5:19
- 7 Fever Breaks 4:47
- 8 Silver Spoon 3:53
- 9 The Hard Way 3:35
- 10 No Sign of Rain 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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