Shooting Straight in the Dark
Mary Chapin Carpenter · 1990
42 min · 11 tracks · country music
A rich blend of country and folk storytelling, marked by intricate melodies and heartfelt lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Going Out Tonight Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Down at the Twist and Shout — This track captures the album's upbeat spirit with its lively rhythm and narrative about community and connection through music, making it a highlight of Carpenter's catalog.
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The More Things Change — With its reflective lyrics about life’s constancies amidst change, this song encapsulates Carpenter's skill in blending thought-provoking themes with accessible melodies.
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Halley Came to Jackson — This narrative-driven song weaves together personal reflection and cosmic wonder, showcasing Carpenter’s unique storytelling ability while resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with heartfelt storytelling, showcasing solid craftsmanship and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the latter half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with strings and acoustic guitar complementing Carpenter's vocals, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- 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 journey
- melodic storytelling for quiet moments
- for evening relaxation
- casual sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Carpenter's reputation in contemporary country music after her prior success.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, 'Shooting Straight in the Dark' was Mary Chapin Carpenter's third studio album, following her breakthrough record 'State of the Heart'. At this point in her career, Carpenter was solidifying her place in the country music scene with a distinct narrative style that resonated with a broad audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nanci Griffith· Lucinda Williams· Patty Griffin
Tracklist
- 1 Going Out Tonight Start here 3:17
- 2 Right Now 2:36
- 3 The More Things Change 3:56
- 4 When She’s Gone 5:04
- 5 Middle Ground 3:51
- 6 Can’t Take Love for Granted 4:00
- 7 Down at the Twist and Shout 3:20
- 8 Halley Came to Jackson 3:10
- 9 What You Didn’t Say 4:37
- 10 You Win Again 4:00
- 11 The Moon and St. Christopher 4:21
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Little Love Affairs
Nanci Griffith
Shares a narrative-driven lyrical style and acoustic instrumentation typical of folk-country.
Pontiac
Lyle Lovett
Combines storytelling with a blend of country and folk, emphasizing intricate melodies and emotional depth.
Wrecking Ball
Emmylou Harris
Features rich arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, merging folk and country sensibilities in a profound way.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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