Psychedelic Country Soul cover

Psychedelic Country Soul

The Long Ryders · 2019

49 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A rich tapestry of twangy guitars, soulful harmonies, and reflective storytelling steeped in Americana influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Greenville — This opening track sets the tone with its anthemic chorus and vivid imagery, encapsulating the album's exploration of personal journeys within a broader cultural landscape.
  • →
    Molly Somebody — With its heartfelt narrative about longing and identity, this song exemplifies the band's ability to weave emotional depth into catchy melodies.
  • →
    California State Line — This track stands out for its infectious energy and clever lyrics that playfully explore themes of migration and belonging, reflecting contemporary societal dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends Americana influences with thoughtful songwriting, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered guitars and harmonies, setting a reflective tone for the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing the instrumentation to explore themes without vocals.
  • The last three tracks gradually slow down in tempo, creating a sense of resolution and closure as the album concludes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective storytelling for road trips
  • twangy guitar layers for relaxation
  • warm harmonies for cozy evenings
  • uplifting vibes for sunny days
  • soulful moments of introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2019, Psychedelic Country Soul marked The Long Ryders' return after a long hiatus since their last studio album in 1987. This album showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their roots, blending classic country sounds with psychedelic elements and contemporary themes.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Let It Fly

    The lyrical shift from introspection to a call for freedom in the chorus invites listeners to embrace change and let go of past burdens.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Greenville 4:26
  • 2 Let It Fly 3:49
  • 3 Molly Somebody 3:39
  • 4 All Aboard 3:43
  • 5 Gonna Make It Real 3:26
  • 6 If You Want to See Me Cry 3:08
  • 7 What the Eagle Sees 3:19
  • 8 California State Line 4:31
  • 9 The Sound 3:58
  • 10 Walls 4:39
  • 11 Bells of August 5:04
  • 12 Psychedelic Country Soul 6:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata