Laredo
Steve Wariner · 1990
34 min · 10 tracks · country music
A smooth blend of contemporary country melodies with heartfelt storytelling and polished production, evoking the essence of early '90s Nashville.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
She's in Love — This track exemplifies Wariner's smooth vocal delivery and knack for crafting memorable love songs, becoming one of his signature hits.
-
→
I Can See Arkansas — The opening track showcases Wariner's storytelling prowess while celebrating his roots, setting an inviting tone for the album.
-
→
When Times Were Hard — This poignant ballad reflects on resilience and nostalgia, highlighting Wariner's ability to evoke deep emotions through simple yet effective lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends contemporary country sounds with storytelling, but lacks standout compositions throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a swing rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that serve as bridges, adding texture and depth to the melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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
- heartfelt storytelling in every track
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- nostalgic themes of love and
- easy listening for casual moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeks complex, lengthy compositions
- prefers experimental or avant-garde sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, Laredo was Steve Wariner's fifth studio album, following his successful 1989 record, I Got Dreams. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a prominent figure in country music, known for his adept songwriting and guitar skills. This album continued to solidify his status during a peak period of commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alan Jackson· Vince Gill· Brad Paisley
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
When Times Were Hard
The narrative shifts from past hardships to a hopeful outlook on life’s journey.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Can See Arkansas 3:03
- 2 Precious Thing 2:48
- 3 Where Fools Are Kings 4:04
- 4 L-O-V-E, Love 2:53
- 5 She's in Love 3:10
- 6 The Domino Theory 3:38
- 7 There for Awhile 4:20
- 8 I Wanna Go Back 3:43
- 9 While I'm Holding You Tonight 3:15
- 10 When Times Were Hard 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.