Redemption Road
Tom Paxton · 2015
48 min · 14 tracks · country music
A reflective blend of folk and country, weaving storytelling with gentle melodies and poignant observations on life and society.
Top tracks — play these first
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Virginia Morning — This track opens the album with vivid imagery of morning life, establishing a tone of nostalgia and warmth that permeates throughout.
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If the Poor Don't Matter — A poignant socio-political commentary that addresses issues of social justice, making it not only musically engaging but also relevant to contemporary discussions.
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Redemption Road — 'Redemption Road' serves as the thematic centerpiece of the album, encapsulating Paxton’s reflections on personal journeys and societal change through its evocative lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends storytelling with gentle melodies, showcasing Paxton's songwriting but lacks standout production.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements that unfold over multiple verses, creating a narrative arc within individual songs.
- The final track is a traditional folk song that serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the original compositions earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- gentle storytelling for quiet moments
- reflective listening on lazy afternoons
- steady flow with emotional warmth
- thoughtful background for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefering fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Tom Paxton released 'Redemption Road' in 2015, he was already a venerable figure in the folk music scene, celebrated for his contributions since the 1960s. This album marked his first release after a significant hiatus from studio recordings, showcasing his continued relevance and ability to connect with contemporary issues through his songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pete Seeger· John Prine· Gordon Lightfoot
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Virginia Morning 3:42
- 2 Susie Most of All 2:31
- 3 Time to Spare 3:55
- 4 The Losing Part 3:48
- 5 Skeeters'll Gitcha 2:23
- 6 Ireland 4:08
- 7 Come On, Holy 2:56
- 8 If the Poor Don't Matter 3:26
- 9 The Mayor of Macdougal Street 4:01
- 10 Central Square 4:40
- 11 Buffalo Dreams 4:17
- 12 The Battle of the Sexes 2:55
- 13 Redemption Road 3:44
- 14 The Parting Glass 1:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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