Lonesome Standard Time
Kathy Mattea · 1992
33 min · 10 tracks · country music
A rich tapestry of heartfelt storytelling woven through traditional country melodies and folk influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lonesome Standard Time — The title track captures the essence of yearning and nostalgia, making it an anthem for those grappling with loneliness and isolation.
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Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst) — This song juxtaposes vivid imagery of nature with deep emotional struggles, highlighting Mattea's lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
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Forgive and Forget — A poignant exploration of reconciliation, this track showcases Mattea's emotive delivery and ability to convey complex relationships through simple yet impactful lyrics.
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 production typical of early '90s country, with emotional storytelling at its core.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of traditional country instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, fiddles, and steel guitars across all tracks.
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with storytelling lyrics that reflect personal and emotional themes.
- Several tracks incorporate harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the narratives.
- The pacing varies slightly, with mid-tempo songs dominating but interspersed with slower ballads that create moments of reflection.
- 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 moments
- heartfelt storytelling with warmth
- melancholic yet comforting atmosphere
- for quiet introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Lonesome Standard Time' was released in 1992, Kathy Mattea had already established herself as a prominent figure in country music following her breakthrough with 'Love at the Five and Dime' in 1985. This album marked a continuation of her exploration into deeply personal themes, solidifying her reputation for blending contemporary sounds with classic country roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mary Chapin Carpenter· Emmylou Harris· Nanci Griffith
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lonesome Standard Time 2:51
- 2 Lonely at the Bottom 3:14
- 3 Standing Knee Deep in a River (Dying of Thirst) 4:12
- 4 Forgive and Forget 2:52
- 5 Last Night I Dreamed of Loving You 3:36
- 6 Listen to the Radio 3:04
- 7 Slow Boat 3:04
- 8 33, 45, 78 (Record Time) 3:01
- 9 Amarillo 3:12
- 10 Seeds 3:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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