Is Somethin' Else a good place to start with The Kingston Trio?

Yes, Somethin' Else is recommended as a starting point for new The Kingston Trio listeners. A vibrant blend of traditional folk harmonies and storytelling that captures the essence of mid-60s Americana. Released in 1965, Somethin' Else is the Kingston Trio's ninth studio album, coming at a time when they had solidified their place in the folk revival movement. Following their commercial peak with hits like 'Tom Dooley', this album showcases their continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound.

Who is Somethin' Else for?

Somethin' Else works well if you're into short bursts of playful energy, fragmented storytelling with quick transitions and lighthearted sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on Somethin' Else?

Somethin' Else has 12 tracks, running approximately 27 minutes.

Somethin' Else

The Kingston Trio · 1965

27 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

A vibrant blend of traditional folk harmonies and storytelling that captures the essence of mid-60s Americana.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Early Morning Rain Start here — This track features poignant lyrics reflecting on loss and longing, encapsulated in a haunting melody that highlights the Trio's vocal harmonies.
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Last Thing on My Mind — The song’s emotional depth and memorable chorus make it a standout, showcasing the Trio's ability to convey storytelling through their arrangements.
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Parchment Farm — With its driving rhythm and narrative style, this track exemplifies the Kingston Trio's knack for turning traditional themes into engaging modern folk music.
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Go Tell Roger (There’s Another Face Looking in the Window) — This song stands out for its playful yet introspective lyrics, offering a unique perspective on love and relationships within the album’s overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid folk compositions and harmonies but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its contemporaries.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of three-part harmonies across most tracks, creating a rich vocal texture.
Several songs incorporate traditional folk instrumentation, such as acoustic guitar and banjo, which enhances the genre authenticity.
The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down significantly, particularly in the latter half of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

short bursts of playful energy
fragmented storytelling with quick transitions
lighthearted sing-alongs with friends
morning coffee background ambiance

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive albums
want deep, complex narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that doesn't stand out as a breakthrough or peak.
Themes: mid-60s Americana· folk revival storytelling· loss and longing
Career context: Released in 1965, Somethin' Else is the Kingston Trio's ninth studio album, coming at a time when they had solidified their place in the folk revival movement. Following their commercial peak with hits like 'Tom Dooley', this album showcases their continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Limeliters· Peter, Paul and Mary· The Brothers Four