The Age of Miracles
Mary Chapin Carpenter · 2010
50 min · 12 tracks · country music
A reflective blend of folk and country, merging poignant storytelling with lush acoustic arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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We Traveled So Far Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Put My Ring Back On — This track explores themes of personal reclaiming and resilience after loss, encapsulating Carpenter’s signature storytelling style through vivid imagery.
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Mrs. Hemingway — In this song, Carpenter draws parallels between her own experiences and those of literary figures, weaving a narrative that reflects on love and legacy with haunting melodies.
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The Age of Miracles — The title track serves as a contemplative anthem about embracing life's uncertainties, showcasing Carpenter’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with uplifting instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong songwriting with polished production, creating a reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano leading most tracks.
- Lyrically, the songs often explore themes of introspection and personal growth, with storytelling that unfolds gradually.
- Several tracks incorporate subtle harmonies and layered vocals, enhancing the emotional weight without overshadowing the lyrics.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- poignant storytelling for introspection
- warm melodies for quiet evenings
- thoughtful narratives during solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reinforces Carpenter's relevance after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- By the time 'The Age of Miracles' was released in 2010, Mary Chapin Carpenter was already an established artist with multiple Grammy awards under her belt. This album marked her return after a five-year hiatus since her last studio album, 'Between Here and Gone', showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter and musician in the contemporary folk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nanci Griffith· Lucinda Williams· Patty Griffin
Tracklist
- 1 We Traveled So Far Start here 4:27
- 2 Zephyr 3:34
- 3 I Put My Ring Back On 2:45
- 4 Holding Up the Sky 4:48
- 5 4 June 1989 4:47
- 6 I Was a Bird 3:26
- 7 Mrs. Hemingway 5:59
- 8 I Have a Need for Solitude 3:43
- 9 What You Look For 4:08
- 10 Iceland 4:44
- 11 The Age of Miracles 4:32
- 12 The Way I Feel 3:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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