Released 17 years ago today
Natural Forces
Lyle Lovett · 2009
50 min · 12 tracks · country music
A fusion of traditional country sounds with jazz influences wrapped in Lovett's signature storytelling style.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Natural Forces — The title track embodies the album's core themes of nature and resilience, combining vivid imagery with Lovett's distinct vocal style.
-
→
Whooping Crane — This song tells a poignant story about conservation and loss, showcasing Lovett's ability to weave narrative depth into his music.
-
→
Don't You Think I Feel It Too — With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody, this track exemplifies Lovett's knack for blending emotional resonance with accessible songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends country and jazz influences with strong storytelling, showcasing Lovett's unique style.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering instrumentation gradually over its duration.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and brass sections, which are not typical in traditional country music.
- The lyrics often blend humor with poignant reflections, creating a narrative style that shifts between lightheartedness and deeper themes.
- The final track is an acoustic version of an earlier song on the album, providing a contrast to the more produced versions.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- reflective storytelling moments
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Natural Forces' was released in 2009, Lyle Lovett had established himself as a respected figure in country music, following a string of acclaimed albums since his debut in 1986. This album arrives after a five-year hiatus since his previous studio record, 'My Baby Don't Tolerate', reflecting a period of introspection and creative evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Guy Clark· Robert Earl Keen· John Prine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Natural Forces 5:42
- 2 Farmer Brown / Chicken Reel 4:05
- 3 Pantry 4:11
- 4 Empty Blue Shoes 3:02
- 5 Whooping Crane 4:55
- 6 Bayou Song 4:09
- 7 Bohemia 3:22
- 8 Don't You Think I Feel It Too 3:52
- 9 Sun and Moon and Stars 4:39
- 10 Loretta 3:43
- 11 It's Rock and Roll 4:46
- 12 Pantry (acoustic version) 4:07
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.