Sex & Gasoline
Rodney Crowell · 2008
49 min · 11 tracks · country music
A blend of introspective storytelling and polished melodies anchored in traditional country roots and contemporary themes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Sex & Gasoline — The title track encapsulates the album's themes, merging sensuality with social commentary while featuring Crowell’s signature lyrical wit and melodic hooks.
-
→
The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design — This track stands out for its provocative lyrics, tackling complex themes of belief and skepticism within a catchy framework that invites deeper reflection.
-
→
Truth Decay — With its sharp observations on modern society, this song showcases Crowell's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader cultural critiques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a steady mid-tempo groove, followed by a shift to more varied tempos in subsequent tracks, creating a dynamic flow.
- Several songs feature intricate guitar work that complements the storytelling, particularly in 'The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design' and 'I Want You #35'.
- The album includes recurring themes of introspection and societal commentary, which are woven into the lyrics across multiple tracks.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- introspective storytelling with depth
- thoughtful exploration of life's complexities
- engaging narratives for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification over reflection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Sex & Gasoline marked Rodney Crowell's return to the forefront of country music after a period of artistic exploration. This album followed his critically acclaimed 2001 release, The Houston Kid, showcasing Crowell's continued evolution as a songwriter and performer at a time when country music was increasingly blending genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Guy Clark· Steve Earle· John Prine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sex & Gasoline 4:28
- 2 Moving Work of Art 4:30
- 3 The Rise and Fall of Intelligent Design 4:28
- 4 Truth Decay 4:30
- 5 I Want You #35 3:31
- 6 I've Done Everything I Can 5:34
- 7 Who Do You Trust 4:08
- 8 The Night's Just Right 3:51
- 9 Funky and the Farm Boy 4:08
- 10 Forty Winters 4:43
- 11 Closer to Heaven 5:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.