What makes Lowlands by Susan McKeown notable?

Lowlands received praise for its unique fusion of folk traditions and contemporary songwriting, contributing to McKeown's reputation as a significant figure in the genre. The album featured prominently in discussions about the revival of Irish folk music in the early 2000s, showcasing McKeown's ability to bridge cultural gaps. Released in 2000, Lowlands marked Susan McKeown's fourth studio album, following the acclaimed The Plague of Angels. At this point in her career, she was actively establishing her voice within the Irish music scene, combining her roots with modern sounds to broaden her appeal.

How many songs are on Lowlands?

Lowlands has 8 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Lowlands

Susan McKeown · 2000

38 min · 8 tracks

A haunting blend of traditional Irish folk with contemporary influences, weaving rich narratives through intimate vocals and evocative instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cottonhead — This track opens the album with a gentle melody that sets the tone for McKeown's storytelling prowess, capturing listeners' attention instantly.
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Country Song — In 'Country Song', McKeown blends traditional themes with modern sensibilities, reflecting on personal experiences while maintaining an authentic folk sound.
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Lowlands — 'Lowlands' serves as the title track, embodying the album's emotional depth with its contemplative lyrics and lush arrangements that resonate deeply.

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 blends traditional and contemporary styles effectively, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a traditional Irish folk melody in 'Cottonhead', establishing a thematic continuity that persists throughout.
Vocals are layered with sparse instrumentation, allowing for moments of silence that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks feature shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as 'Three Mile Creek', which transitions from a slow ballad to a more upbeat rhythm.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Cottonhead 4:53
2 Country Song 4:07
3 Kangaroo 5:02
4 Lowlands 5:51
5 Three Mile Creek 4:10
6 Wheels 4:16
7 Time After 6:23
8 Irish Red 3:44

What to play next

Full Susan McKeown discography Artists like Susan McKeown

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata