Running Down the Road
Arlo Guthrie · 1969
34 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A tapestry of storytelling woven with warm acoustic melodies and a distinctly American folk spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Coming Into Los Angeles — This track captures the spirit of the era with its vivid imagery and playful take on arriving in California, reflecting themes of freedom and adventure.
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Oklahoma Hills — A nostalgic tribute to Guthrie's roots, this song combines heartfelt lyrics with an engaging melody that resonates with listeners who share similar backgrounds.
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Every Hand in the Land — The song serves as a call for unity and collective action, making it a poignant anthem amidst the social movements of the time.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and craftsmanship, with a cohesive folk sound that resonates well but lacks standout tracks.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Coming Into Los Angeles' and 'Stealin'' showcase a lively tempo, while others like 'My Front Pages' slow down for introspection.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent folk sound, with the final track echoing themes introduced earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- warm melodies for reflective moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- storytelling that sparks nostalgia
- easy listening on sunny days
- inviting sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of intense energy
- prefer heavy, complex compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1969, Arlo Guthrie had transitioned from the legacy of his father, Woody Guthrie, establishing his own identity in the folk scene. 'Running Down the Road' followed his breakthrough album 'Alice's Restaurant' (1967), showcasing a more personal touch while maintaining the social commentary characteristic of his early work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Woody Guthrie· Pete Seeger· Bob Dylan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Oklahoma Hills 3:27
- 2 Every Hand in the Land 2:20
- 3 Creole Belle 3:45
- 4 Wheel of Fortune 2:30
- 5 Oh, in the Morning 4:54
- 6 Coming Into Los Angeles 3:06
- 7 Stealin' 2:49
- 8 My Front Pages 3:47
- 9 Living in the Country 3:18
- 10 Running Down the Road 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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