That Sea, The Gambler
Gregory Alan Isakov · 2007
48 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music
Whispered folk melodies entwine with introspective lyrics, creating a serene landscape steeped in longing and reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Stable Song — This track features haunting melodies paired with evocative storytelling about vulnerability and resilience, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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Salt and the Sea — With its rich imagery and delicate instrumentation, this song exemplifies Isakov's ability to weave nature into themes of love and loss.
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That Sea, the Gambler — The title track serves as a reflective centerpiece that blends narrative depth with lyrical ambiguity, illustrating Isakov's unique songwriting style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's serene melodies and introspective lyrics create a cohesive listening experience, though it follows familiar folk structures.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature gentle acoustic guitar and soft vocals, establishing a calm atmosphere that persists through the album.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, with a focus on themes of longing and introspection.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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
- whispered melodies for quiet moments
- introspective reflections on life
- serene soundscapes for contemplation
- gentle pacing for relaxed listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer loud party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, That Sea, The Gambler was Gregory Alan Isakov's second studio album, following his debut, This Empty Northern Hemisphere. At this point, Isakov was establishing himself within the indie folk scene, blending his South African roots with American folk traditions. The album marks a significant step in his artistic development, showcasing a more mature sound and lyrical depth compared to his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All There Is 2:22
- 2 The Stable Song 6:00
- 3 Black & Blue 3:48
- 4 San Francisco 5:40
- 5 Salt and the Sea 3:28
- 6 John Brown's Body 5:22
- 7 3 A.M. 4:46
- 8 That Sea, the Gambler 4:53
- 9 Raising Cain 4:38
- 10 Unwritable Girl 2:54
- 11 The Moon Was Red and Dangerous 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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