Revolution
Paula Cole · 2019
55 min · 11 tracks · adult contemporary music
A fusion of introspective lyricism and rich melodies that explore contemporary issues through an adult contemporary lens.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shake The Sky — This track stands out with its uplifting message and anthemic chorus, encouraging listeners to rise above challenges and strive for change.
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The Ecology (Mercy Mercy Me) — By reinterpreting Marvin Gaye's classic, Cole powerfully addresses environmental issues while infusing the song with her own emotive vocal style.
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Universal Empathy — This track encapsulates the album's theme of interconnectedness, using its thoughtful lyrics to advocate for compassion and understanding across humanity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with rich melodies but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that blend piano and strings with Cole's vocals.
- Several songs feature layered harmonies and call-and-response structures, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- reflective journey through emotions
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- introspective lyrics with depth
- soulful melodies for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 13, 2019, Revolution is Paula Cole's first studio album in nearly seven years, following her 2015 release, 7. This return comes during a period of artistic exploration for Cole, as she seeks to engage with social and political themes through her music while reaffirming her signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sarah McLachlan· Tori Amos· Shawn Colvin
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Silent
A poignant moment arises when the song shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on societal silence around injustice.
This transition amplifies the urgency of the message by contrasting individual pain with collective apathy, making it a powerful critique of social indifference.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro: Revolution (Is A State Of Mind) 4:17
- 2 Shake The Sky 3:59
- 3 Blues In Gray 3:50
- 4 Silent 8:25
- 5 Go On 5:58
- 6 All Or Nothing 4:29
- 7 7 Deadly Sins 5:08
- 8 The Ecology (Mercy Mercy Me) 5:15
- 9 Undertow (One Life Lost) 5:01
- 10 Universal Empathy 6:58
- 11 Dhammapada 2:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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