What makes Roll Away the Stone by Kelly Joe Phelps notable?

The album received critical praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, establishing Phelps as a significant artist within the roots music genre. It contributed to the resurgence of interest in acoustic blues during the late 1990s, influencing contemporary artists who draw from traditional styles. When 'Roll Away the Stone' was released in 1997, Kelly Joe Phelps had already established himself as a notable figure in the acoustic blues scene. This album followed his acclaimed debut, 'Sky Like a Broken Clock', and marked a deepening exploration of spiritual themes through his distinctive sound.

How many songs are on Roll Away the Stone?

Roll Away the Stone has 11 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Roll Away the Stone

Kelly Joe Phelps · 1997

58 min · 11 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of blues and folk infused with gospel fervor, showcasing stirring vocals and intricate guitar work.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Roll Away the Stone — Opening the album, this title track encapsulates Phelps's ability to weave personal narratives with broader spiritual themes, setting a reflective tone for the collection.
→
Sail the Jordan — This track showcases Phelps's virtuosic fingerpicking alongside soaring vocals, conveying a strong sense of yearning and hope that resonates throughout the album.
→
See That My Grave Is Kept Clean — A poignant interpretation of a traditional blues song that highlights Phelps's skill in transforming classic material into deeply personal expressions of mortality and legacy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends blues and gospel influences with strong guitar work and heartfelt vocals, marking a solid entry in acoustic roots music.

What we noticed

The album features intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that alternate between rhythmic strumming and melodic leads, creating a dynamic interplay.
Vocals are delivered with a soulful intensity, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate traditional gospel elements, such as call-and-response structures and uplifting choruses, which contribute to the overall spiritual feel.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.