Small Revelations
Chris Smither · 1997
35 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A tapestry of folk melodies woven with introspective lyrics and acoustic warmth that invites listeners into a reflective space.
Top tracks — play these first
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Thanks to You — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its heartfelt gratitude and warm instrumentation, encapsulating Smither's storytelling style.
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Small Revelations — The title track dives deep into self-reflection, showcasing Smither's lyrical prowess and ability to evoke emotion through simple yet powerful imagery.
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Help Me Now — With its poignant plea for connection, this song highlights Smither's skill in crafting relatable narratives that resonate across generations.
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Dust My Broom — This cover of a blues classic underscores Smither's roots in traditional music while illustrating his unique interpretation and fingerstyle guitar technique.
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, though it follows familiar folk templates.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that establish a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal harmonies, enhancing the communal feel of the folk tradition.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 contemplative flow
- personal introspection during quiet moments
- short tracks for focused listening
- thoughtful storytelling for reflective moods
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of 'Small Revelations', Chris Smither had already established himself as a respected figure in the folk scene, following his breakthrough album 'Live as I Can' in 1993. This release marked his return after a four-year gap and showcased his ability to blend storytelling with intricate guitar work, further cementing his status in traditional folk music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Leo Kottke· Richard Thompson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Thanks to You 2:45
- 2 Slow Surprise 2:49
- 3 Hold On 4:05
- 4 Cave Man 4:39
- 5 Help Me Now 3:25
- 6 Small Revelations 4:02
- 7 Winsome Smile 3:46
- 8 Dust My Broom 3:12
- 9 Sportin' Life 3:08
- 10 Hook, Line & Sinker 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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