Natalie Merchant
Natalie Merchant · 2014
49 min · 11 tracks · rock music
A contemplative blend of folk-rock and poetic storytelling, marked by Merchant's rich vocals and introspective themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ladybird Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics about growth and transformation, exemplifying Merchant's signature style.
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Seven Deadly Sins — This song explores moral complexity through vivid imagery and sharp observations, demonstrating Merchant's ability to blend narrative with musicality.
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Go Down, Moses — A haunting interpretation of a spiritual that reveals Merchant’s skill in infusing traditional themes with contemporary emotion, this track stands out for its vocal intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Merchant's return showcases strong songwriting and cohesive themes, though it doesn't break new ground.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong narrative focus in 'Ladybird', which features layered instrumentation that builds gradually.
- Tracks like 'Go Down, Moses' incorporate traditional folk elements, using acoustic guitar and subtle harmonies to enhance the storytelling.
- Several songs, including 'Seven Deadly Sins', feature a recurring melodic motif that ties the album together thematically.
- The final track, 'The End', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the tempo and allowing for an introspective finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- consistent flow encourages deep listening
- introspective themes for quiet evenings
- gradual emotional evolution throughout
- for solo contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return to solo work after a decade, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released in 2014, this self-titled album marked Natalie Merchant's return to solo work after a decade spent exploring various projects and collaborations. Following her previous album, 'Leave Your Sleep,' which was a children's music project, this record reflects her reconnection with personal songwriting and storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Loeb· Shawn Colvin· Jewel
Tracklist
- 1 Ladybird Start here 6:40
- 2 Maggie Said 4:28
- 3 Texas 5:05
- 4 Go Down, Moses 5:03
- 5 Seven Deadly Sins 4:53
- 6 Giving Up Everything 4:23
- 7 Black Sheep 4:10
- 8 It’s A‐Coming 3:51
- 9 Lulu (Introduction) 1:03
- 10 Lulu 4:18
- 11 The End 5:13
What to play next
Keep Your Courage
2023
Continues the introspective themes with a fresh sonic approach.
Leave Your Sleep
2010
Precedes it with rich storytelling and a similar folk influence.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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