What makes Rare Birds by Jonathan Wilson notable?

Rare Birds received critical acclaim upon its release, landing on various year-end lists and further cementing Wilson's status within the folk-rock genre. The album's exploration of themes such as identity and introspection resonated with audiences, leading to increased visibility in both mainstream and independent music circles. Upon the release of Rare Birds in 2018, Jonathan Wilson was solidifying his reputation in the Americana scene following his acclaimed album, Fanfare. This record marked his third studio effort, showcasing a matured sound that blended classic rock influences with contemporary folk elements, further establishing him as a prominent figure in modern traditional music.

How many songs are on Rare Birds?

Rare Birds has 13 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Rare Birds

Jonathan Wilson · 2018

78 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music

A lush blend of folk-rock and psychedelic sounds, weaving intricate melodies with introspective lyrics that invite deep reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Trafalgar Square — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping instrumentation and reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of Wilson's artistic vision.
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There's a Light — This song features poignant lyrics and a haunting melody that encapsulates the album's introspective themes, showcasing Wilson's songwriting prowess.
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Sunset Blvd. — With its rich arrangement and vivid imagery, this track illustrates Wilson’s ability to blend storytelling with musical complexity, making it a standout piece.
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Living With Myself — The emotional depth and sonic layers in this track reflect Wilson’s inner conflicts, serving as a powerful centerpiece within the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends lush arrangements with introspective lyrics, though its pacing can feel uneven.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'Sunset Blvd.' and 'Rare Birds', allowing for atmospheric build-ups.
Several songs employ layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, especially in 'There's a Light' and 'Loving You'.
The track '49 Hair Flips' shifts abruptly from a slow tempo to a faster pace, disrupting the flow established by previous songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Loving You

The verse shifts from nostalgia to present-day longing, presenting a raw exploration of love's complexities.

This transition in perspective deepens the emotional weight of the song, allowing listeners to experience both the past and present simultaneously.

Tracklist

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

1 Trafalgar Square 6:24
2 Me 4:49
3 Over the Midnight 8:15
4 There's a Light 4:56
5 Sunset Blvd. 5:44
6 Rare Birds 5:26
7 49 Hair Flips 5:10
8 Miriam Montague 4:41
9 Loving You 8:31
10 Living With Myself 6:46
11 Hard to Get Over 6:30
12 Hi-Ho the Righteous 6:09
13 Mulholland Queen 5:20

What to play next

Listen next

Dixie Blur

2020

Go back to

Fanfare

2013

Full Jonathan Wilson discography Artists like Jonathan Wilson

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata