Love Is the Only Soldier
Jann Arden · 2003
39 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A blend of heartfelt ballads and reflective pop, showcasing emotional storytelling and melodic depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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If You Loved Me — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of love and longing, encapsulated in a memorable chorus that highlights Arden's vocal strength.
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Love Is the Only Soldier — The title track serves as an anthem of resilience and hope amidst adversity, showcasing Arden's gift for crafting anthemic pop melodies.
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Not Saying Goodbye — This song delves into the complexities of parting and the emotions tied to farewells, exhibiting a mature lyrical depth that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The final two tracks gradually build in intensity, culminating in a more anthemic sound before closing.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 moments of reflection
- heartfelt exploration of love
- soothing melodies for relaxation
- short bursts of emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Love Is the Only Soldier marked Jann Arden's fifth studio album, solidifying her presence in the Canadian pop music scene. Following her successful albums like 1997's Blood Red Cherry, this record continued to build on her established sound while exploring new lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sarah McLachlan· Tori Amos· Shawn Colvin
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Fighting for the World
The bridge shifts from a contemplative tone to a more assertive declaration about standing up for one's beliefs.
This change in tone emphasizes a transition from introspection to empowerment, marking a pivotal moment in the song’s emotional arc.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 If You Loved Me 3:50
- 2 Not Saying Goodbye 4:33
- 3 Love Is the Only Soldier 3:53
- 4 Anna Rebecca 5:00
- 5 Four Feet Deep 3:47
- 6 Only One 4:08
- 7 When You Left Me 3:53
- 8 Ruby Red 3:25
- 9 The Right Road Home 3:35
- 10 Fighting for the World 3:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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