Looks Like Rain cover

Looks Like Rain

Mickey Newbury · 1969

40 min · 8 tracks · country music

A tapestry of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics woven into the fabric of country music's early storytelling tradition.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye — This track captures Newbury's ability to convey heartache with poignant imagery, showcasing his lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
  • →
    San Francisco Mable Joy — The narrative-driven lyrics of this song highlight Newbury's storytelling capabilities, blending personal reflection with vivid character sketches.
  • →
    33rd of August — This song exemplifies Newbury's innovative sound by merging traditional country elements with a contemporary sensibility, making it stand out on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's introspective songwriting and cohesive sound mark it as a notable entry in country music's evolution.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of minor keys, creating a somber atmosphere throughout its eight tracks.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with introspective lyrics that reflect personal experiences and emotions.
  • Instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar, strings, and subtle piano, contributing to the overall melancholic sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • melancholic storytelling for reflection
  • introspective moments of solitude
  • patient unfolding emotional landscapes
  • late-night contemplative listening
  • narrative-driven song progression

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Looks Like Rain' was released in 1969, Mickey Newbury was transitioning from his early songwriting successes to a more personal and artistic phase. This album followed his acclaimed debut, 'Looks Like Rain', which had begun to establish him as a unique voice in country music, blending folk and rock influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Townes Van Zandt· Guy Clark· John Prine

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Write a Song a Song / Angeline 7:27
  • 2 She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye 3:42
  • 3 I Don't Think Much About Her No More 5:53
  • 4 T. Total Tommy 3:54
  • 5 33rd of August 5:14
  • 6 When the Baby in My Lady Gets the Blues 3:31
  • 7 San Francisco Mable Joy 6:43
  • 8 Looks Like Baby's Gone 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata