Is Small Source of Comfort a good place to start with Bruce Cockburn?

Yes, Small Source of Comfort is recommended as a starting point for new Bruce Cockburn listeners. A reflective tapestry of folk melodies woven with jazz influences and poignant storytelling across intimate, meditative tracks. By the release of Small Source of Comfort in 2011, Bruce Cockburn was already an established figure in Canadian music, known for his intricate guitar work and socially conscious lyrics. This album came nearly three decades after his breakthrough record, 'Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws' (1979), showcasing a matured perspective shaped by years of activism and personal growth.

Who is Small Source of Comfort for?

Small Source of Comfort works well if you're into reflective listening experiences, storytelling through music and introspective and contemplative moods.

How many songs are on Small Source of Comfort?

Small Source of Comfort has 14 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Small Source of Comfort

Bruce Cockburn · 2011

53 min · 14 tracks · folk music

A reflective tapestry of folk melodies woven with jazz influences and poignant storytelling across intimate, meditative tracks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Iris of the World Start here — Opening the album with rich imagery and contemplation, this track sets the tone for Cockburn's exploration of beauty amidst chaos.
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Comets of Kandahar — This poignant narrative reflects Cockburn's engagement with global issues, illustrating personal stories against the backdrop of war and loss.
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Driving Away — With its reflective lyrics about departure and longing, this track encapsulates the emotional core of the album while showcasing Cockburn’s lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Cockburn's intricate guitar work and reflective lyrics create a distinctive folk-jazz blend that rewards repeated listening.

What we noticed

Many tracks employ a conversational structure, with verses that feel like personal reflections rather than traditional storytelling.
The instrumentation often includes subtle jazz elements, such as complex chord progressions and improvisational sections, particularly in 'Bohemian 3-Step'.
Several songs incorporate ambient soundscapes that enhance the meditative quality of the music, creating a reflective atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

reflective listening experiences
storytelling through music
introspective and contemplative moods
gradual builds and payoffs
soothing background ambiance

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Cockburn's catalog, appreciated by fans but not widely recognized as a standout.
Themes: war-torn landscapes· intimate reflections· global storytelling
Career context: By the release of Small Source of Comfort in 2011, Bruce Cockburn was already an established figure in Canadian music, known for his intricate guitar work and socially conscious lyrics. This album came nearly three decades after his breakthrough record, 'Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws' (1979), showcasing a matured perspective shaped by years of activism and personal growth.
Stylistic neighbors: Richard Thompson· Leonard Cohen· Joni Mitchell