Sound & Fury
Sturgill Simpson · 2019
41 min · 10 tracks · country music
An eclectic fusion of rock, country, and psychedelia that challenges genre boundaries through innovative production and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Best Clockmaker on Mars — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of time and existence through imaginative storytelling paired with a vibrant soundscape.
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Mercury in Retrograde — With its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, this song encapsulates the album's blend of personal reflection and cosmic metaphor.
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Last Man Standing — This poignant track stands out for its raw emotional delivery, addressing themes of isolation and perseverance amidst uncertainty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic mix of styles and innovative production creates a distinctive sound that stands out in contemporary country music.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff in 'Ronin' that sets a high-energy tone for the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and genre shifts, particularly evident in 'Make Art Not Friends', which blends rock and psychedelic influences.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- playful sing-alongs with friends
- eclectic sound for curious listeners
- short bursts of energetic tracks
- thought-provoking lyrical exploration
- late-night reflective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Sturgill Simpson's fourth studio album, Sound & Fury marks a significant departure from his previous works. Following the critically acclaimed A Sailor's Guide to Earth, this album showcases his bold artistic reinvention at a time when he was exploring diverse musical landscapes beyond traditional country.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Stapleton· Jason Isbell· Brandi Carlile
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ronin 3:48
- 2 Remember to Breathe 2:56
- 3 Sing Along 2:54
- 4 A Good Look 4:02
- 5 Make Art Not Friends 5:51
- 6 Best Clockmaker on Mars 3:54
- 7 All Said and Done 3:59
- 8 Last Man Standing 2:10
- 9 Mercury in Retrograde 4:32
- 10 Fastest Horse in Town 7:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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