No Good for No One Now cover

No Good for No One Now

Owen · 2002

40 min · 7 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic guitar melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting soundscape that captures a sense of longing and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nobody's Nothing — Opening the album, this track introduces listeners to Kinsella's signature blend of melancholy and lyrical introspection, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    The Ghost of What Should've Been — This song features poignant storytelling wrapped in evocative imagery, illustrating the album's themes of regret and nostalgia in a haunting manner.
  • →
    Take Care of Yourself — Closing the album, this lengthy track encapsulates Kinsella's emotional journey throughout the record and leaves listeners reflecting on its overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate songwriting and emotional themes create a strong listening experience, though it remains somewhat conventional in its sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a layered, melancholic atmosphere throughout.
  • Each track typically builds from a quiet intro to a more dynamic climax, often returning to a subdued ending.
  • Lyrically, the songs explore themes of introspection and longing, with verses that frequently employ vivid imagery and personal reflection.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • introspective reflections on solitude
  • haunting soundscapes for quiet moments
  • longing melodies for late nights
  • thoughtful listening during introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat tempos
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 19, 2002, 'No Good for No One Now' is Owen's second album, following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, Mike Kinsella was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while navigating the transition from the more upbeat style of his previous band, American Football, to a more somber and reflective sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Nobody's Nothing 5:20
  • 2 Everyone Feels Like You 7:01
  • 3 Poor Souls 5:30
  • 4 The Ghost of What Should've Been 5:08
  • 5 Good Deeds 3:25
  • 6 I'm Not Going Anywhere Tonight 3:50
  • 7 Take Care of Yourself 10:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata