Roses
Kathy Mattea · 2002
45 min · 12 tracks · country music
A reflective blend of folk-infused country, intertwining personal narratives with lush melodies and emotive instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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They Are the Roses — This track encapsulates the album's theme of longing through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, making it a standout example of Mattea's storytelling ability.
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Guns of Love — With its metaphorical exploration of love as a battleground, this song showcases Mattea's knack for blending personal vulnerability with broader social commentary.
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Ashes in the Wind — This track features evocative imagery that reflects on loss and remembrance, illustrating Mattea's ability to weave deep emotional threads into her music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal storytelling with folk influences, though it lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features mid-tempo tracks that build on personal narratives, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation and tempo shifts.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk elements, such as acoustic guitar and fiddle, enhancing the reflective quality of the lyrics.
- The final two tracks are instrumental pieces that create a contemplative atmosphere, contrasting with the lyrical content of 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
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 melodic journey throughout
- introspective storytelling in songs
- for reflective afternoons
- haunting melodies that linger
- gentle pacing for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer short standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2002, Kathy Mattea was transitioning from her commercial peak in the late '80s and early '90s. 'Roses' marked her first studio album in nearly five years and showcased a more introspective and mature sound. This release followed her departure from Mercury Records, allowing her to explore themes of love, loss, and identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mary Chapin Carpenter· Emmylou Harris· Nanci Griffith
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 That's All the Lumber You Sent 4:22
- 2 They Are the Roses 3:58
- 3 Guns of Love 3:34
- 4 Ashes in the Wind 4:37
- 5 I'm Alright 4:13
- 6 Till I Turn to You 4:50
- 7 Come Away With Me 3:45
- 8 Who We Are 4:04
- 9 Junkyard 4:08
- 10 Isle of Inishmore, Part 1: Air 2:04
- 11 Isle of Inishmore, Part 2: Jig 2:18
- 12 Slender Threads That Bind Us Here 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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