Pelago cover

Released 5 years ago this October

Pelago

Ryan Hurd · 2021

51 min · 15 tracks · country music

A reflective blend of contemporary country sounds with introspective lyrics that explore love, loss, and personal growth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chasing After You — This track stands out for its heartfelt duet with Maren Morris, capturing the complexity of longing and desire within a romantic relationship. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics helped it become a breakout hit.
  • →
    If I Had Two Hearts — The song showcases Hurd's lyrical craftsmanship, exploring themes of love and regret with a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. The clever premise invites reflection on personal choices.
  • →
    Diamonds or Twine — This track encapsulates the album's emotional depth through its vivid imagery and exploration of material versus sentimental value in relationships. It's a standout example of Hurd's ability to balance storytelling with melodic hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't significantly stand out in the contemporary country genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that explore themes of love and nostalgia, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and instrumentation that build gradually, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • The lead single 'Chasing After You' is strategically placed as the third track, serving as a high point early in the album's flow.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 Pass It On 2:59
  • 2 Coast 3:50
  • 3 Chasing After You 3:27
  • 4 June, July, August 3:01
  • 5 Palm Trees in Ohio 3:35
  • 6 If I Had Two Hearts 3:29
  • 7 Tab With My Name on It 4:18
  • 8 What Are You Drinking 3:24
  • 9 Hell Is an Island 3:19
  • 10 The Knife or the Hatchet 3:34
  • 11 I Never Said I’m Sorry 3:50
  • 12 Platonic 2:31
  • 13 Every Other Memory 3:39
  • 14 To a T 2:58
  • 15 Diamonds or Twine 3:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata