Mortal City
Dar Williams · 1996
46 min · 11 tracks · country · folk · traditional folk music
A rich tapestry of folk melodies and introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of modern life.
Why this album works
'Mortal City' gained significant attention for its thoughtful exploration of personal and societal themes, with tracks like 'The Christians and the Pagans' becoming staples in contemporary folk music. The album received praise from critics for its storytelling and lyrical depth, solidifying Williams' status as an influential figure in the 90s folk revival.
- Best for
- steady narrative flow throughout introspective reflections on life ideal for thoughtful afternoon
- Context
- Released in 1996, 'Mortal City' was Dar Williams' second studio album, following her debut 'The Honesty Room'. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself as a compelling voice in the folk music scene, building on the critical acclaim from her first release while expanding her lyrical themes and musical arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Suzy Bogguss· Iwan Fals· k.d. lang
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 As Cool as I Am Standout 3:38
- 2 February Standout 3:54
- 3 Iowa (Traveling III) 4:47
- 4 The Christians and the Pagans Standout 3:06
- 5 This Was Pompeii 3:58
- 6 The Ocean 5:20
- 7 Family 3:25
- 8 The Pointless, Yet Poignant, Crisis of a Co-Ed 3:12
- 9 The Blessings 3:53
- 10 Southern California Wants to Be Western New York 4:11
- 11 Mortal City 7:18
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.