What makes One of My Kind by Conor Oberst notable?

The album received positive reviews, noted for its lyrical depth and cohesive sound, but it did not achieve significant commercial success. It has been influential in the indie folk scene, showcasing Oberst's evolution as a songwriter while also being a precursor to the resurgence of acoustic-driven music in the late 2000s. In 2009, Conor Oberst released 'One of My Kind' as part of his work with the Mystic Valley Band, following the acclaim of his self-titled solo album in 2008. This album marked a continuation of Oberst's exploration into collaborative songwriting and a departure from the more traditional Bright Eyes sound that had defined much of his earlier career.

How many songs are on One of My Kind?

One of My Kind has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

One of My Kind

Conor Oberst · 2009

42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven with acoustic melodies and subtle orchestration that captures a sense of longing and vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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One of My Kind — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of self-reflection and individuality, setting the tone for the introspective journey throughout.
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Corina, Corina — A reinterpretation of a classic song that highlights Oberst's knack for blending storytelling with emotional resonance, bringing fresh life to a familiar narrative.
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Breezy — With its vivid imagery and laid-back instrumentation, this track exemplifies Oberst's ability to convey complex emotions through simplicity and charm.
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I Got the Reason #1 — The song's candid exploration of personal accountability and existential musings makes it a standout piece that showcases Oberst's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and cohesive sound but lacks significant commercial impact.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and arrangements.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle percussion enhancing the acoustic guitar foundation.
Oberst's vocal delivery shifts between soft, introspective moments and more assertive passages, creating dynamic contrasts within individual songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.