Ragged Kingdom
June Tabor · 2011
46 min · 12 tracks
A haunting blend of traditional folk and contemporary reinterpretations, imbued with deep emotion and intricate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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That Was My Veil — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of longing and loss, featuring Tabor's emotive vocal delivery paired with delicate instrumentation.
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Love Will Tear Us Apart — Tabor's rendition transforms this classic into a haunting ballad that emphasizes vulnerability, showcasing her ability to reinterpret modern songs through a folk lens.
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Seven Curses — The narrative depth in this track captures themes of betrayal and regret, demonstrating Tabor's skill in storytelling and emotional conveyance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ragged Kingdom blends traditional and contemporary folk with strong storytelling and emotive vocals.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases Tabor's vocal delivery, which is consistently emotive and nuanced, drawing the listener into the storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Love Will Tear Us Apart,' which contrasts its original energy with a slower, haunting arrangement.
- 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
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
- haunting storytelling with emotional depth
- intimate reflections on love and
- rich historical resonance throughout tracks
- for quiet evening listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time June Tabor released Ragged Kingdom in 2011, she was already an established figure in the British folk scene, known for her rich, emotive voice. This album marked her return to the studio after a five-year hiatus, following Ashore (2006), and showcased her continued evolution as an artist while collaborating with the acclaimed group Oysterband.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nic Jones· Kate Rusby· Sandy Denny
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If My Love Loves Me
The shift from hopeful anticipation to a more somber reflection on unrequited feelings marks a turning point in the song.
This transition illustrates Tabor's lyrical prowess by juxtaposing expectation with reality, enhancing the emotional complexity of the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bonny Bunch of Roses 5:00
- 2 That Was My Veil 2:56
- 3 Son David 3:53
- 4 Love Will Tear Us Apart 3:30
- 5 (When I Was No But) Sweet Sixteen 3:05
- 6 Judas (Was a Red-Headed Man) 4:14
- 7 If My Love Loves Me 5:01
- 8 The Hills of Shiloh 4:33
- 9 Fountains Flowing 3:53
- 10 The Leaves of Life 3:39
- 11 Seven Curses 3:34
- 12 The Dark End of the Street 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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