Moving
Peter, Paul and Mary · 1963
34 min · 12 tracks · folk music
Harmonious folk melodies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a soothing yet thought-provoking soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Puff, the Magic Dragon — This whimsical tale captures childhood innocence and imagination, becoming emblematic of both Peter, Paul and Mary's repertoire and the broader folk movement.
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This Land Is Your Land — A stirring rendition of Woody Guthrie's classic anthem that embodies themes of unity and belonging, showcasing the trio's commitment to social justice through music.
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Gone the Rainbow — This poignant ballad reflects on loss and nostalgia, highlighting the group's ability to convey deep emotional narratives within their harmonies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends original and traditional folk songs with strong harmonies but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- Each track typically includes rich vocal harmonies, often layering multiple voices in call-and-response patterns.
- The sequencing alternates between upbeat and reflective songs, with 'Puff, the Magic Dragon' positioned as a central highlight.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- thoughtful reflections on social themes
- warm harmonies for cozy moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1963, Moving marked the second studio album by Peter, Paul and Mary, following their self-titled debut. At this stage, the trio was gaining momentum in the folk music scene, building on their previous success and solidifying their role as prominent voices for social change through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Kingston Trio· Simon & Garfunkel· The Brothers Four
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Settle Down (Goin’ Down That Highway) 1:45
- 2 Gone the Rainbow 2:40
- 3 Flora 3:10
- 4 Pretty Mary 1:56
- 5 Puff, the Magic Dragon 3:26
- 6 This Land Is Your Land 2:27
- 7 Man Come Into Egypt 2:18
- 8 Old Coat 3:49
- 9 Tiny Sparrow 3:33
- 10 Big Boat 2:43
- 11 Morning Train 3:37
- 12 A’soalin’ 3:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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