Massachusetts
Lori McKenna · 2013
48 min · 12 tracks · country music
Intimate storytelling weaves through delicate melodies, showcasing a blend of folk and country influences with emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Salt — This opening track sets the tone for the album with vivid imagery and emotional honesty, establishing McKenna's lyrical prowess from the outset.
-
→
My Love Follows You Where You Go — A poignant exploration of devotion, this song encapsulates McKenna's ability to convey deep feelings through simple yet profound lyrics.
-
→
Make Every Word Hurt — The raw vulnerability present in this track highlights McKenna's skill in articulating complex emotions, making it a standout moment on the album.
-
→
Take Me With You When You Go — This track showcases McKenna's narrative style, blending heartache and longing into a compelling story that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Lori McKenna's 'Massachusetts' showcases strong songwriting and production, with cohesive themes and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady, reflective tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and emotional intensity.
- Several songs employ a recurring lyrical motif of longing and connection, creating a thematic thread throughout the record.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and subtle strings, which complement the intimate vocal delivery without overwhelming it.
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate storytelling through song
- heartfelt reflections on love
- late-night solitude with emotions
- gentle pacing for quiet moments
- cathartic release of feelings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- wanting immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Massachusetts' was released in 2013, Lori McKenna had established herself as a respected songwriter, particularly known for her work with artists like Faith Hill. This album marked her fifth studio release and was pivotal in solidifying her place within the singer-songwriter community, following a series of acclaimed albums that began with 'Paper Wings and Halo' in 2004.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brandi Carlile· Kacey Musgraves· Neko Case
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Salt 4:25
- 2 My Love Follows You Where You Go 3:34
- 3 Susanna 4:08
- 4 Smaller and Smaller 3:24
- 5 Make Every Word Hurt 4:34
- 6 Shake 4:15
- 7 How Romantic Is That 5:27
- 8 Shouting 4:01
- 9 Better With Time 4:04
- 10 Take Me With You When You Go 3:52
- 11 Love Can Put It Back Together 3:19
- 12 Grown Up Now 3:38
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.