Is Saint Bartlett a good place to start with Damien Jurado?

Yes, Saint Bartlett is recommended as a starting point for new Damien Jurado listeners. A haunting blend of sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics evoking a sense of longing and solitude. When 'Saint Bartlett' was released in 2010, Damien Jurado was already an established figure in indie rock, known for his emotive storytelling. This album marked a shift in his sound, incorporating more experimental elements compared to his previous works, such as 'Caught in the Trees' (2008), showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Who is Saint Bartlett for?

Saint Bartlett works well if you're into gentle peaks of introspection, serene afternoon contemplation and steady pacing for reflection.

How many songs are on Saint Bartlett?

Saint Bartlett has 17 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Saint Bartlett

Damien Jurado · 2010

54 min · 17 tracks · indie rock

A haunting blend of sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics evoking a sense of longing and solitude.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cloudy Shoes Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Arkansas — This track stands out for its evocative imagery and emotional weight, encapsulating themes of nostalgia and yearning through its melodic simplicity.
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You for a While — With its delicate arrangement and poignant lyrics, this song captures the essence of fleeting moments and the bittersweet nature of love.
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Everyone a Star — This track presents a more upbeat tempo while maintaining Jurado's signature introspection, making it a pivotal point on the album that showcases his range as a songwriter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's sparse instrumentation and introspective lyrics create a haunting atmosphere, marking a notable shift in Jurado's sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks with minimalist arrangements, often centered around acoustic guitar and soft vocals.
Several songs incorporate ambient soundscapes that create a sense of space and isolation, particularly in 'Throwing Your Voice' and 'Harborview'.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gentle peaks of introspection
serene afternoon contemplation
steady pacing for reflection
intimate moments of quietude
thoughtful listening in solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy experiences
prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — This album marked a shift in sound, incorporating new musical elements.
Themes: Arkansas nostalgia· intimate storytelling
Career context: When 'Saint Bartlett' was released in 2010, Damien Jurado was already an established figure in indie rock, known for his emotive storytelling. This album marked a shift in his sound, incorporating more experimental elements compared to his previous works, such as 'Caught in the Trees' (2008), showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver