Miles from the Lightning
Jeffrey Foucault · 2001
71 min · 14 tracks · country blues
A haunting blend of country blues and folk storytelling envelops listeners in a reflective, atmospheric journey through American landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ballad of Copper Juntion (A Journeyman's Layment) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its vivid imagery and contemplative lyrics, showcasing Foucault's narrative style and melodic sensibilities.
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Californ-I-A — In this song, Foucault explores themes of longing and identity, using rich storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners while highlighting his unique voice.
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Miles from the Lightning (A Song for Townes Van Zandt) — This tribute not only honors Van Zandt's legacy but also encapsulates Foucault's own artistic intentions, weaving personal reflection into broader cultural commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's storytelling and acoustic arrangements create a reflective journey, marking a solid debut in Americana.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, primarily guitar and piano, which creates an intimate atmosphere throughout.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with lyrics that tell vivid stories reflecting personal and geographical themes.
- Several songs incorporate subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics, particularly in the transitions between verses and choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- melancholic storytelling with depth
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- journeying through expansive landscapes
- patient unfolding of heartfelt narratives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Miles from the Lightning is Jeffrey Foucault's debut album, released in 2001 when he was establishing his presence in the Americana and roots music scene. This album marked the beginning of Foucault's career as a solo artist after his time spent collaborating with other musicians, allowing him to carve out his distinctive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Greg Brown· Lucinda Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ballad of Copper Juntion (A Journeyman's Layment) 5:08
- 2 Dove and the Waterline 3:50
- 3 Walking at Dusk (The Liberty Bell) 4:39
- 4 Thistledown Tears 5:13
- 5 Californ-I-A 4:29
- 6 Highway and the Moon 6:37
- 7 Battle Hymn (of the college dropout farmhand) 4:39
- 8 Crossing Mississippi 4:20
- 9 Secretariat 6:32
- 10 Sunrise in the Rearview 5:04
- 11 Street Light Halos 2:48
- 12 Buckshot Moon 5:35
- 13 I'm Alright 5:03
- 14 Miles from the Lightning (A Song for Townes Van Zandt) 7:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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