Smoking Gun cover

Smoking Gun

Angus Stone · 2009

51 min · 12 tracks · blues

A warm blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that evokes the essence of Australian folk and indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Big Jet Plane — This track stands out for its haunting melody and lyrical depth, reflecting themes of longing and adventure that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Silver Revolver — The opening track sets the tone with its rich acoustic arrangement and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the album’s emotional landscape.
  • →
    Home Sweet Home — This song combines a gentle folk style with vivid storytelling, representing Stone's ability to create relatable narratives through his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and cohesive acoustic arrangements but lacks broader cultural reach.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar as the primary instrument, with layered harmonies that create a warm, inviting sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate subtle string arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics without overwhelming the acoustic foundation.
  • The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a steady rhythm while others employ a more free-flowing, relaxed pace.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal and introspective themes, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • warm acoustic melodies for reflection
  • introspective lyrics for quiet moments
  • mid-tempo pacing for easy listening
  • for evening relaxation
  • inviting sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Smoking Gun marked Angus Stone's debut solo album after achieving recognition as part of the folk duo Angus & Julia Stone. This album came shortly after their successful releases, showcasing his individual creative direction while maintaining the organic sound that defined his previous work.
Stylistic neighbors
Jack Johnson· Ben Howard· Vance Joy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Silver Revolver 4:21
  • 2 Home Sweet Home 4:15
  • 3 White Rose Parade 3:56
  • 4 Jack Nimble 4:53
  • 5 Big Jet Plane 3:57
  • 6 Smoking Gun 3:34
  • 7 Daisy Chain 3:45
  • 8 The Wolf 4:31
  • 9 Anna 3:22
  • 10 Kings Black Magic 4:25
  • 11 Dead Man's Train 4:31
  • 12 Lady Sunshine 6:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata