Retriever
Ron Sexsmith · 2004
40 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A warm blend of folk and pop, infused with introspective lyrics and lush melodies that linger in the heart.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hard Bargain — Opening the album, this track sets a reflective tone with its poignant storytelling about love's complexities, showcasing Sexsmith's lyrical prowess.
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Imaginary Friends — This track stands out for its whimsical yet melancholic exploration of childhood memories and the passage of time, demonstrating Sexsmith's ability to blend nostalgia with poignant observation.
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Wishing Wells — A highlight of the album, it encapsulates themes of hope and longing through its delicate arrangement and heartfelt delivery, making it a quintessential example of Sexsmith's style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Retriever showcases strong songwriting and cohesive themes, though it may not stand out as much in the broader folk genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with softer instrumentation.
- Several songs employ a recurring melodic motif that ties them together, creating a sense of unity across the album.
- The final track concludes with a gentle fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling that contrasts with the more resolved earlier songs.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- steady pacing for thoughtful listening
- intimate melodies for quiet moments
- poignant storytelling with emotional depth
- warmth for cozy evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2004, Retriever marked Ron Sexsmith's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed record, Cobblestone Runway. At this point in his career, he had solidified his reputation as a songwriter's songwriter but was still seeking broader commercial recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· James Taylor
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hard Bargain 3:12
- 2 Imaginary Friends 3:42
- 3 Not About to Lose 3:00
- 4 Tomorrow in Her Eyes 2:28
- 5 From Now On 4:38
- 6 For the Driver 2:46
- 7 Wishing Wells 4:07
- 8 Whatever It Takes 3:20
- 9 Dandelion Wine 3:29
- 10 Happiness 2:32
- 11 How on Earth 4:09
- 12 I Know It Well 2:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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