Released 39 years ago this October
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson · 1987
44 min · 9 tracks · folk rock
A blend of introspective storytelling and rich instrumentation that weaves together elements of rock, folk, and rhythm and blues.
Top tracks — play these first
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Somewhere Down the Crazy River — This track showcases Robertson's ability to blend vivid imagery with a compelling narrative, creating an evocative sense of place and emotion.
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Fallen Angel — The song's haunting melody and reflective lyrics encapsulate themes of loss and longing, making it a poignant highlight on the album.
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Broken Arrow — With its rich instrumentation and emotional delivery, this track serves as a powerful meditation on love and nostalgia, resonating deeply with listeners.
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 rich arrangements, though it may not resonate as widely today.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo on 'Fallen Angel', establishing a reflective mood that persists throughout.
- Each track features layered instrumentation, often blending electric guitar with traditional folk elements like acoustic guitar and harmonica.
- Lyrically, the songs employ vivid storytelling, with recurring themes of loss and redemption that connect across multiple tracks.
- 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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Robbie Robertson marked Robbie Robertson's first solo album after the breakup of The Band in 1976. By 1987, he had established himself as a prominent songwriter and musician, transitioning into a solo career that would explore his diverse influences and personal narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Band· Neil Young· Leonard Cohen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fallen Angel 5:55
- 2 Showdown at Big Sky 4:49
- 3 Broken Arrow 5:24
- 4 Sweet Fire of Love 5:18
- 5 American Roulette 4:56
- 6 Somewhere Down the Crazy River 4:57
- 7 Hell's Half Acre 4:21
- 8 Sonny Got Caught in the Moonlight 3:51
- 9 Testimony 4:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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