Shotgun Singer
Kris Delmhorst · 2008
47 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music
A tender exploration of love and loss, woven through delicate melodies and introspective lyrics that linger long after listening.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blue Adeline — This opening track establishes the album's emotional tone with its haunting melody and vivid imagery of longing. Delmhorst's voice carries a poignant weight that draws listeners into her world.
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Birds of Belfast — This track stands out for its rich, descriptive storytelling that evokes a sense of place and personal history. The intricate arrangements complement the lyrical depth, making it a centerpiece on the album.
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Kiss It Away — With its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's themes of healing and resilience. Its accessible sound contrasts with the deeper emotions expressed throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Delmhorst's songwriting shines through delicate melodies and thoughtful arrangements, making it a solid folk album.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that establish a gentle, reflective mood.
- Several songs employ a call-and-response structure between the vocals and instrumental sections, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, creating a sense of resolution and introspection.
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- intimate storytelling through melodies
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- gentle pacing for relaxed listening
- heartfelt themes of love and
- for solo introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Shotgun Singer is Kris Delmhorst's fourth studio album, coming after her critically acclaimed record, Strange Conversation. At this point in her career, she was refining her songwriting skills and establishing herself within the contemporary folk scene, garnering attention for her narrative style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anaïs Mitchell· Laura Veirs· The Civil Wars
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blue Adeline 4:28
- 2 Heavens Hold the Sun 3:43
- 3 To the Wire 4:02
- 4 Midnight Ringer 4:13
- 5 If Not for Love 3:27
- 6 Riverwide 4:19
- 7 1000 Reasons 4:33
- 8 Birds of Belfast 4:57
- 9 Oleander 3:05
- 10 Kiss It Away 3:14
- 11 Freediver 4:02
- 12 Brand New Sound 3:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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