What makes Mission California by Cross Canadian Ragweed notable?

Mission California showcased Cross Canadian Ragweed's distinctive sound and lyrical depth, receiving positive reviews for its authenticity, which resonated with fans of the genre. The album debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, illustrating the band's continued relevance in a shifting musical landscape dominated by mainstream country pop. Released on October 2, 2007, Mission California marked Cross Canadian Ragweed's fifth studio album, following the commercially successful Soul Gravy from 2004. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the alternative country scene while grappling with changes in personnel and sound as they sought to expand their musical horizons.

How many songs are on Mission California?

Mission California has 13 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Mission California

Cross Canadian Ragweed · 2007

54 min · 13 tracks · country music

A gritty blend of alternative country and rock, infused with raw emotion and storytelling that captures life's struggles and triumphs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dead Man — This track stands out for its haunting narrative about loss and regret, embodying the emotional weight that characterizes much of the album.
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Cry Lonely — With its poignant lyrics and compelling melody, Cry Lonely highlights the band's ability to blend sorrow with a sense of resilience, making it a memorable moment on the record.
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I Believe You — This song's introspective exploration of trust and vulnerability showcases the band's lyrical prowess and emotional depth, resonating strongly within the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends storytelling with musicality, though it doesn't significantly stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that serve as transitions between verses, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal struggle and resilience, with each song presenting a distinct narrative.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Record Exec 3:07
2 Dead Man 4:48
3 Deal 2:38
4 Lawrence 5:03
5 In Oklahoma 3:07
6 Cry Lonely 4:12
7 Smoke Another 2:01
8 Soul Agent 4:29
9 Walls to Climb 3:15
10 The Years 4:25
11 Jenny 4:43
12 I Believe You 4:04
13 NYCG 8:19

What to play next

Listen next

Happiness and All the Other Things

2009

Go back to

Back to Tulsa – Live and Loud at Cain's Ballroom

2006

Full Cross Canadian Ragweed discography Artists like Cross Canadian Ragweed

alternative country

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata