Running for the Drum
Buffy Sainte-Marie · 2008
43 min · 12 tracks · country music
A vibrant blend of folk, rock, and electronic elements resonates with poignant lyrical themes and a powerful vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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No No Keshagesh Start here — This track opens the album with a sharp critique of environmental degradation and consumer culture, setting a tone of activism that permeates the record.
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Working for the Government — A poignant reflection on government bureaucracy and its disillusionment, this song showcases Sainte-Marie's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery and powerful commentary.
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Still This Love Goes On — The closing track encapsulates themes of resilience and enduring love, combining heartfelt lyrics with a haunting melody that lingers after the album ends.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends various genres while maintaining strong lyrical themes and vocal delivery.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a strong rhythmic drive, blending folk and rock elements with electronic textures.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a reflective ballad that contrasts sharply with the more upbeat earlier tracks, creating a sense of resolution.
- 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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- socially conscious lyrical engagement
- inviting sing-along choruses
- morning coffee contemplation vibes
Maybe skip if you
- fast-paced instant gratification seekers
- dislike for lyrical depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued vitality and relevance.
- Themes
- Indigenous rights activism· environmental degradation critique· government disillusionment
- Career context
- By the release of 'Running for the Drum', Buffy Sainte-Marie was revisiting her musical roots after a long hiatus since her last album in 1992. This album marks her return to recording, showcasing a blend of contemporary sounds while maintaining her signature social activism. It reflects her evolution as an artist who continues to advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Kate Bush· Joan Baez
Tracklist
- 1 No No Keshagesh Start here 4:44
- 2 Cho Cho Fire 3:05
- 3 Working for the Government 3:33
- 4 Little Wheel Spin and Spin 3:05
- 5 Too Much Is Never Enough 3:58
- 6 To the Ends of the World 3:45
- 7 When I Had You 4:12
- 8 I Bet My Heart on You 3:26
- 9 Blue Sunday 2:55
- 10 Easy Like the Snow Falls Down 3:52
- 11 America the Beautiful 3:01
- 12 Still This Love Goes On 3:55
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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