Straight Songs of Sorrow
Mark Lanegan · 2020
60 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
Haunting melodies intertwine with raw confessions, creating a poignant soundscape that reflects deep personal sorrow and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
I Wouldn’t Want to Say Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album's exploration of vulnerability, featuring Lanegan's signature gravelly vocals paired with haunting instrumentation that draws listeners into his world of sorrow.
-
→
Churchbells, Ghosts — In this track, Lanegan weaves together spectral imagery and personal reflection, creating a rich atmosphere that encapsulates the album's themes of haunting memories and emotional turmoil.
-
→
Eden Lost and Found — This song embodies the essence of Lanegan's storytelling prowess, as it juxtaposes moments of beauty with feelings of desolation, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet evocative lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's atmospheric sound and thematic consistency create a strong emotional impact, though it may not reach a wide audience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of somber, atmospheric instrumentation that supports Lanegan's deep vocal delivery throughout.
- Tracks often employ a slow to mid-tempo pace, with several songs incorporating sparse arrangements that highlight lyrical content.
- There is a notable use of recurring themes related to loss and introspection across the lyrics, creating a cohesive emotional thread.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- poignant storytelling with emotional depth
- short tracks for varied pacing
- evocative themes of loss and
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, energetic albums
- want instant gratification from songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album showcases emotional depth and artistic ambition, receiving significant critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released on May 8, 2020, 'Straight Songs of Sorrow' marked Mark Lanegan's return to solo work following a series of collaborations. This album comes after his critically acclaimed 2017 release 'Gargoyle' and showcases his distinctive blend of alternative rock and grunge influences while delving into themes of loss and regret.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Greg Dulli· Nick Cave· Jeff Buckley
Tracklist
- 1 I Wouldn’t Want to Say Start here 5:46
- 2 Apples From a Tree 1:55
- 3 This Game of Love 4:48
- 4 Ketamine 2:40
- 5 Bleed All Over 3:35
- 6 Churchbells, Ghosts 4:53
- 7 Internal Hourglass Discussion 3:49
- 8 Stockholm City Blues 3:38
- 9 Skeleton Key 7:05
- 10 Daylight in the Nocturnal House 3:05
- 11 Ballad of a Dying Rover 4:36
- 12 Hanging On (For DRC) 2:10
- 13 Burying Ground 4:46
- 14 At Zero Below 4:40
- 15 Eden Lost and Found 2:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.