Is Tears, Lies and Alibis a good place to start with Shelby Lynne?

Yes, Tears, Lies and Alibis is recommended as a starting point for new Shelby Lynne listeners. A blend of intimate storytelling and rich melodies wrapped in a contemporary folk-pop sound that captures emotional vulnerability. Released in 2010, Tears, Lies and Alibis marked Shelby Lynne's return to the music scene after a four-year hiatus following her Grammy-winning album, Identity Crisis. This album showcases a more personal and introspective approach as Lynne explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, positioning it as a significant work in her evolving discography.

Who is Tears, Lies and Alibis for?

Tears, Lies and Alibis works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective storytelling with depth and emotional resonance in every track.

How many songs are on Tears, Lies and Alibis?

Tears, Lies and Alibis has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Tears, Lies and Alibis

Shelby Lynne · 2010

37 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A blend of intimate storytelling and rich melodies wrapped in a contemporary folk-pop sound that captures emotional vulnerability.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Rains Came Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Alibi — This track features poignant lyrics exploring themes of regret and longing, making it a centerpiece for the emotional narrative of the album.
→
Family Tree — The song's rich storytelling and intricate arrangements reflect Lynne's ability to weave personal history into universal themes of identity and belonging.
→
Old Dog — With its reflective tone and heartfelt delivery, this track exemplifies Lynne's skill in portraying complex emotions through simple yet evocative language.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's intimate storytelling and strong craftsmanship create a solid yet familiar folk-pop experience.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo rhythm, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued pace with a focus on lyrical storytelling.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in 'Family Tree' and 'Home Sweet Home'.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier tracks.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective storytelling with depth
emotional resonance in every track
for late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — It marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic growth.
Themes: intimate storytelling· personal history· emotional regret
Career context: Released in 2010, Tears, Lies and Alibis marked Shelby Lynne's return to the music scene after a four-year hiatus following her Grammy-winning album, Identity Crisis. This album showcases a more personal and introspective approach as Lynne explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, positioning it as a significant work in her evolving discography.
Stylistic neighbors: Lucinda Williams· Neko Case· Brandi Carlile