What makes Riverside Battle Songs by Ollabelle notable?

The album received positive reviews for its authentic sound and emotive songwriting, helping to elevate Ollabelle within the contemporary folk movement. It features a mix of original songs and interpretations of traditional material, showcasing the band's versatility and contributing to a resurgence of interest in American roots music during the mid-2000s. Released in 2006, Riverside Battle Songs is Ollabelle's second studio album following their self-titled debut in 2004. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the Americana and folk music scenes, building on the critical acclaim garnered from their first album and enhancing their reputation as a unique collective with deep roots in traditional music.

How many songs are on Riverside Battle Songs?

Riverside Battle Songs has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Riverside Battle Songs

Ollabelle · 2006

52 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music

A rich tapestry of harmonies intertwines traditional folk with modern sensibilities, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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High on a Mountain — This track captures the essence of the album with its soaring melodies and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of longing and hope. Its combination of rich harmonies and acoustic instrumentation exemplifies Ollabelle's signature style.
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See Line Woman — An interpretation of a classic folk song, this track stands out due to its rhythmic drive and captivating vocal interplay, embodying the group’s ability to revitalize traditional material with fresh energy.
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Riverside — The title track serves as an emotional centerpiece for the album, weaving together vivid imagery and reflective storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners while showcasing the band's lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong harmonies and blends traditional and original material effectively.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature intricate vocal harmonies layered over acoustic instrumentation, establishing a rich sound early on.
Several songs incorporate traditional folk melodies, while others present original compositions that blend seamlessly with the covers.
The album's pacing shifts noticeably around track six, where a more reflective tone emerges, leading into a series of slower songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 See Line Woman 2:51
2 High on a Mountain 3:19
3 Heaven's Pearls 4:50
4 Fall Back 3:27
5 Dream the Fall 4:30
6 Blue Northern Lights 4:50
7 Reach for Love 3:53
8 Troubles of the World 3:23
9 Riverside 3:52
10 Northern Star 5:07
11 Gone Today 3:31
12 Everything Is Broken 3:38
13 Last Lullaby 5:00

What to play next

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Ollabelle

2004

Full Ollabelle discography Artists like Ollabelle

traditional folk music

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