Power in the Blood
Buffy Sainte-Marie · 2015
44 min · 12 tracks · country music
A vibrant blend of folk, rock, and electronic elements that resonates with themes of empowerment and social justice.
Top tracks — play these first
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It’s My Way Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Power in the Blood — This title track serves as a powerful statement on resilience and empowerment, encapsulating the album's core message while blending traditional folk with modern sounds.
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The Uranium War — This song critiques environmental destruction and nuclear politics, showcasing Sainte-Marie's long-standing commitment to activism through poignant lyrics and an engaging melody.
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Sing Our Own Song — With its call for self-determination and authenticity, this track highlights Sainte-Marie's advocacy for indigenous voices in music and society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends diverse sounds with strong themes, showcasing Sainte-Marie's distinctive voice and perspective.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a confident tone, followed by a title track that features layered vocals and a driving rhythm.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements alongside traditional folk instrumentation, creating a unique sound palette.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- socially conscious lyrical exploration
- sing-along anthems for gatherings
- thoughtful background for creativity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- dislike thematic lyrical content
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes Sainte-Marie's sound and message after a long hiatus, showcasing continued relevance.
- Themes
- indigenous rights activism· nuclear politics critique
- Career context
- Power in the Blood marked Buffy Sainte-Marie's first studio album in over a decade, following her 2008 release, Running for the Drum. By 2015, she had shifted from mainstream recognition to a renewed focus on indigenous rights and activism, reflecting her evolving artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Kate Bush· Joan Baez
Tracklist
- 1 It’s My Way Start here 3:55
- 2 Power in the Blood 4:03
- 3 We Are Circling 3:04
- 4 Not the Lovin Kind 4:11
- 5 Love Charms (Mojo Bijoux) 4:06
- 6 Ke Sakihitin Awasis (I Love You, Baby) 4:08
- 7 Farm in the Middle of Nowhere 2:43
- 8 Generation 3:54
- 9 Sing Our Own Song 4:52
- 10 Orion 3:00
- 11 The Uranium War 3:34
- 12 Carry It On 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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