Stephen Stills cover

Stephen Stills

Stephen Stills · 1970

38 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of country rock and folk-infused melodies driven by introspective lyrics and Stills' distinctive guitar work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Love the One You're With — This track stands out as a defining anthem of the era, combining catchy melodies with an uplifting message about love and acceptance that resonates universally.
  • →
    Go Back Home — 'Go Back Home' features poignant lyrics reflecting themes of nostalgia and longing, showcasing Stills' ability to convey deep emotional states through music.
  • →
    Cherokee — This song incorporates diverse musical influences and showcases Stills' intricate guitar work, making it a standout example of his songwriting prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and varied tempos but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a prominent guitar riff that sets a laid-back, yet engaging tone for the album.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics.
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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • thoughtful introspection moments
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 16, 1970, this self-titled album marked Stephen Stills' first solo venture after his tenure with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. At this point in his career, Stills was establishing his identity as a solo artist while exploring a more personal sound distinct from his collaborative work.
Stylistic neighbors
Neil Young· David Crosby· James Taylor

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Love the One You're With 3:04
  • 2 Do for the Others 2:52
  • 3 Church (Part of Someone) 4:05
  • 4 Old Times Good Times 3:39
  • 5 Go Back Home 5:54
  • 6 Sit Yourself Down 3:05
  • 7 To a Flame 3:08
  • 8 Black Queen 5:26
  • 9 Cherokee 3:23
  • 10 We Are Not Helpless 4:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata