Myra Lee cover

Released 30 years ago

Myra Lee

Cat Power · 1996

46 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Intimate melodies blend with raw, confessional lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final note.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Enough Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its sparse instrumentation and poignant exploration of personal inadequacy.
  • →
    We All Die — This track features haunting vocal delivery and contemplative lyrics about mortality, encapsulating the album's introspective themes.
  • →
    Ice Water — With its evocative imagery and stripped-back arrangement, this song highlights Chan Marshall's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album combines intimate melodies with raw lyrics, establishing a haunting yet personal sound.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature sparse instrumentation, primarily driven by guitar and vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • Several tracks include abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Ice Water' which transitions from soft verses to a more intense chorus.
  • The album's lyrics are confessional and personal, often delivered in a breathy vocal style that enhances the emotional weight of the songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped establish Cat Power's prominence in the indie rock scene.
Career context
Released in 1996, Myra Lee is Cat Power's second studio album, following her debut album, Dear Sir. This album marked a significant step forward as she began to refine her sound and songwriting approach, showcasing emotional depth and complexity.
Stylistic neighbors
Fiona Apple· Angel Olsen· Neko Case

Tracklist

  • 1 Enough Start here 5:44
  • 2 We All Die 5:03
  • 3 Great Expectations 4:21
  • 4 Top Expert 3:20
  • 5 Ice Water 3:41
  • 6 Still in Love 3:31
  • 7 Rockets 4:44
  • 8 Faces 5:01
  • 9 Fiance 0:33
  • 10 Wealthy Man 5:10
  • 11 Not What You Want 5:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata