Late December
Maria McKee · 2007
43 min · 12 tracks · country music
A haunting blend of folk and country, infused with introspective lyrics and McKee's evocative vocal presence.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Late December — The title track encapsulates the album's melancholic tone, weaving together vivid imagery of winter with reflections on nostalgia and the passage of time.
-
→
A Good Heart — This song stands out through its heartfelt exploration of vulnerability in relationships, marked by McKee's soaring vocals that convey both strength and fragility.
-
→
Power On, Little Star — In this track, McKee combines gentle instrumentation with poignant lyrics that explore themes of hope and resilience, making it a standout moment on the album.
-
→
My First Night Without You — This track captures the raw emotion of heartbreak, blending a wistful melody with lyrics that detail the disorientation of losing a loved one.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, with a cohesive flow that rewards attentive listening.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features mid-tempo tracks that build emotional intensity, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
- McKee's vocal delivery often shifts between soft, intimate moments and powerful crescendos, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle harmonies that complement the acoustic guitar foundation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Power On, Little Star
The narrative shifts from despair to a sense of encouragement for perseverance amidst darkness.
This transition emphasizes a journey from hopelessness to finding strength within oneself, showcasing McKee's skill in crafting uplifting narratives.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Late December 3:02
- 2 No Other Way to Love You 3:38
- 3 A Good Heart 4:10
- 4 Power On, Little Star 3:57
- 5 Too Many Heroes 3:36
- 6 Destine 4:21
- 7 My First Night Without You 4:04
- 8 Scene of the Affair 3:43
- 9 Cat in the Wall 2:33
- 10 One Eye on the Sky (One on the Grave) 4:38
- 11 Bannow 1:07
- 12 Starving Pretty 4:10
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.