Shake Hands with the Devil
Kris Kristofferson · 1979
32 min · 10 tracks · country music
A gritty exploration of love and loss, blending folk storytelling with a touch of rock's raw edge.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shake Hands With the Devil Start here — This title track serves as a powerful opener, setting the tone with its haunting reflection on inner turmoil and betrayal.
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Whiskey, Whiskey — In this track, Kristofferson channels his struggles with addiction, blending vulnerability with a catchy melody that captures the essence of his era.
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Fallen Angel — A poignant narrative about lost love and regret, this song highlights Kristofferson's ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong storytelling and varied instrumentation, creating an engaging but not experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow, deliberate tempo and sparse instrumentation, setting a reflective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with lyrics that unfold narratives over the course of the song.
- The instrumentation varies between acoustic guitar-driven melodies and more robust arrangements, particularly in tracks like 'Killer Barracuda'.
- The last two tracks shift to a more somber mood, with 'Fallen Angel' closing the album on a poignant note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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 reflective storytelling flow
- introspective moments for contemplation
- for quiet evenings
- emotional resonance in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- avoid narrative-driven experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Kristofferson's reputation in country music with critical acclaim.
- Career context
- By the time 'Shake Hands with the Devil' was released in 1979, Kris Kristofferson had established himself as a prominent figure in country music, following his acclaimed albums 'Jesus Was a Capricorn' and 'Spooky Lady's Sideshow'. This album marked a continued evolution of his sound, showcasing deeper lyrical themes and mature reflections on personal experiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Townes Van Zandt· John Prine· Guy Clark
Tracklist
- 1 Shake Hands With the Devil Start here 3:27
- 2 Prove It to You One More Time Again 2:45
- 3 Whiskey, Whiskey 3:48
- 4 Lucky in Love 2:42
- 5 Seadream 3:03
- 6 Killer Barracuda 3:03
- 7 Come Sundown 3:40
- 8 Michoacan 3:00
- 9 Once More With Feeling 2:51
- 10 Fallen Angel 4:10
What to play next
To the Bone
1981
Continues the exploration of personal themes with a more polished sound.
Easter Island
1978
Precedes it with a similar blend of storytelling and raw emotion.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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