Is Secrets a good place to start with Allison Crowe?

Yes, Secrets is recommended as a starting point for new Allison Crowe listeners. Melodic folk tunes intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, capturing intimate emotions through Crowe's soulful voice and poignant lyrics. In 2004, Allison Crowe released 'Secrets' as her debut studio album, marking a significant step in her career after gaining attention for her live performances. This album established her presence in the Canadian folk scene, showcasing her unique blend of traditional folk influences and contemporary songwriting.

Secrets works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, intimate, reflective listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Secrets?

Secrets has 11 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Secrets

Allison Crowe · 2004

53 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

Melodic folk tunes intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, capturing intimate emotions through Crowe's soulful voice and poignant lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
How Long Start here — This opening track sets a reflective tone, showcasing Crowe's emotive vocal delivery and lyrical introspection about longing and time.
→
Secrets (That Aren't My Own) — The title track explores themes of vulnerability and personal revelation, highlighting Crowe's ability to weave complex emotions into her songwriting.
→
Joan of Arc — This song uniquely combines historical narrative with personal reflection, illustrating Crowe's talent for storytelling within a folk framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional delivery, though it remains within familiar folk structures.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of piano as the primary instrument, with vocal melodies often layered over simple chord progressions.
Several tracks include dynamic shifts, such as 'Joan of Arc,' which builds in intensity before resolving quietly.
The lyrics across the album frequently employ storytelling techniques, with personal and introspective themes prevalent in most songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
intimate, reflective listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
emotive storytelling and lyrics
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped Crowe gain recognition beyond Canada, marking her transition to wider audiences.
Themes: Canadian folk scene· Joan of Arc narrative
Moods: Melancholy· Chill
Career context: In 2004, Allison Crowe released 'Secrets' as her debut studio album, marking a significant step in her career after gaining attention for her live performances. This album established her presence in the Canadian folk scene, showcasing her unique blend of traditional folk influences and contemporary songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Laura Marling· Nick Drake· Joan Baez