Regret Over the Wires
Matthew Ryan · 2003
46 min · 12 tracks · alternative country
A melancholic blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect on love, loss, and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Return to Me — Opening the album with haunting vocals and poignant lyrics, this track sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows.
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Caged Bird — This track uses vivid imagery to convey feelings of entrapment and yearning, showcasing Ryan's skillful storytelling.
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I Hope Your God Has Mercy On Mine — A powerful reflection on faith and personal struggle, this song encapsulates the central conflicts present throughout the album.
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Skylight — Closing the album, it offers a sense of resolution with its hopeful yet bittersweet tone, leaving listeners reflecting on their own journeys.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, with effective pacing and a cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft percussion, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation, including strings and piano.
- Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, where Ryan's lead vocals are complemented by harmonies that create an intimate atmosphere.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 melodies for introspection
- reflective moments during solitude
- emotional depth in quiet settings
- intimate storytelling around campfires
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Regret Over the Wires was Matthew Ryan's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed album, Regret. At this point in his career, Ryan had established himself within the alternative country scene, building a loyal fanbase while continuing to evolve his sound with more mature themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Josh Ritter· Ryan Adams· Lucinda Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Return to Me 4:48
- 2 The Little Things 3:00
- 3 Trouble Doll 4:50
- 4 Long Blvd. 3:39
- 5 I Can't Steal You 4:13
- 6 Caged Bird 4:15
- 7 Come Home 3:01
- 8 I Hope Your God Has Mercy On Mine 3:21
- 9 Nails 4:12
- 10 Sweetie 3:12
- 11 Every Good Thing 2:42
- 12 Skylight 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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