What makes One Simple Word by The Connells notable?

The album features the hit single 'Stone Cold Yesterday', which garnered significant radio play and contributed to the band's growing fanbase. It was well-received by critics, with notable mentions in publications like Rolling Stone, helping to establish The Connells as influential figures in the Southern alternative rock movement. Released in 1990, One Simple Word was The Connells' third studio album, following their breakthrough with 1989's Boylan Heights. This record solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene, showcasing a mature sound and lyrical depth as they navigated the transition from regional popularity to broader recognition.

How many songs are on One Simple Word?

One Simple Word has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 36 years ago this October

One Simple Word

The Connells · 1990

48 min · 13 tracks · pop rock

A blend of jangly guitar melodies and reflective lyrics that captures the essence of early '90s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stone Cold Yesterday — This track exemplifies the band's catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the essence of their sound during this era.
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What Do You Want? — With its driving rhythm and questioning lyrics, this song highlights a sense of urgency and existential contemplation that resonates throughout the album.
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One Simple Word — The title track reflects on simplicity and longing, combining poignant lyrics with rich instrumentation that showcases the band's musical evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to a slower tempo and introspective themes.
Several songs incorporate jangly guitar melodies that are characteristic of early '90s alternative rock.
The lyrics often reflect personal and emotional themes, with a focus on storytelling across multiple tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Stone Cold Yesterday 3:57
2 Speak to Me 3:56
3 All Sinks In 3:13
4 Get a Gun 4:23
5 What Do You Want? 3:10
6 Set the Stage 5:47
7 One Simple Word 4:21
8 Another Souvenir 4:20
9 Link 1:27
10 The Joke 3:04
11 Too Gone 2:25
12 Waiting My Turn 4:37
13 Take a Bow 3:15

What to play next

Listen next

Ring

1993

Go back to

Fun & Games

1989

Full The Connells discography Artists like The Connells

pop rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata