Riding the Midnight Train cover

Released 40 years ago

Riding the Midnight Train

Doc Watson · 1986

39 min · 13 tracks · blues · country · folk

Timeless acoustic melodies intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, evoking the spirit of traditional American folk and bluegrass.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic reflections on past journeys
  • short tracks for easy listening
  • heartfelt storytelling in every song
  • warm melodies for cozy nights
  • melancholic themes with gentle pacing

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer lengthy, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Riding the Midnight Train' was released in 1986, Doc Watson had already established himself as a key figure in American folk music, following his breakthrough in the early 1960s. This album came after a series of successful releases and showcased his mastery of bluegrass and traditional songs, cementing his influence in the genre during a time when folk music was experiencing a resurgence.
Stylistic neighbors
Tony Rice· Bill Monroe· John Prine

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I'm Going Back to the Old Home 2:14
  • 2 Greenville Trestle High 3:29
  • 3 Highway of Sorrow 2:51
  • 4 Fill My Way With Love 2:32
  • 5 We'll Meet Again Sweetheart 3:10
  • 6 Riding That Midnight Train 2:06
  • 7 Stone's Rag 2:41
  • 8 Ramshackle Shack 3:21
  • 9 Midnight on the Stormy Deep 4:33
  • 10 Baby Blue Eyes 3:42
  • 11 What Does the Deep Sea Say 3:32
  • 12 Let the Church Roll On 2:57
  • 13 Sweet Heaven When I Die 2:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata