Released 20 years ago
Out of the Ashes
Jessi Colter · 2006
53 min · 12 tracks · country music
A rich blend of country and folk that weaves personal narratives with spiritual and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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His Eye Is on the Sparrow — This track stands out for its poignant reinterpretation of a classic hymn, conveying deep faith and resilience through Colter's emotive vocals.
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The Phoenix Rises — Thematically rich, this song encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of renewal and rebirth, showcasing Colter's ability to blend personal narrative with broader existential reflections.
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You Took Me by Surprise — With its confessional tone and lush instrumentation, this track highlights Colter's skill in crafting intimate stories that resonate with her audience on a personal level.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong storytelling and layered arrangements, creating an engaging listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gospel-inflected cover of 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow', setting a reflective tone that persists throughout.
- Tracks often feature layered instrumentation, blending acoustic guitar, piano, and strings to create a rich soundscape.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements or narrative storytelling, enhancing the personal and introspective themes.
- The final track, 'Please Carry Me Home', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering emotional resonance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- heartfelt storytelling for quiet nights
- rich arrangements for attentive listening
- emotional depth with consistent flow
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Out of the Ashes marked Jessi Colter's return after a lengthy hiatus, following her last studio album, 1981's I'm Jessi Colter. At this point in her career, she was reigniting her artistic voice, stepping back into the spotlight after decades of influence on the country genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Linda Ronstadt· Kacey Musgraves
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Phoenix Rises
The bridge shifts dramatically to emphasize liberation and strength, marking a powerful moment of transformation in the narrative.
This structural choice underscores the journey from despair to hope, making it one of the emotional peaks of the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 His Eye Is on the Sparrow 3:58
- 2 You Can Pick 'em 4:09
- 3 Starman 4:37
- 4 The Phoenix Rises 4:38
- 5 Out of the Rain 4:47
- 6 Velvet and Steel 4:46
- 7 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 4:27
- 8 You Took Me by Surprise 4:37
- 9 So Many Things 2:57
- 10 The Canyon 4:20
- 11 Never Got Over You 3:55
- 12 Please Carry Me Home 5:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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