The Balladeer
37 min · 10 tracks · country music
An introspective blend of country and folk, rich with storytelling and emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Balladeer — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of storytelling, reflecting on the role of a musician as both an observer and participant in life's narratives.
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Two Birds — In this reflective song, McKenna explores themes of growth and the passage of time, making it a standout moment that resonates deeply with listeners.
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When You're My Age — This track offers a poignant perspective on aging and wisdom, using vivid imagery to evoke nostalgia while addressing life's unchanging truths.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with relatable stories and solid arrangements throughout.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano driving the melodies across most tracks.
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for storytelling to unfold gradually over the course of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the narratives.
- 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
- intimate storytelling with warmth
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- short tracks for quick sessions
- evocative melodies for quiet evenings
- conversational lyrics to connect
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy beats
- prefer standalone hits over narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2021, The Balladeer marks Lori McKenna's eighth studio album, following her Grammy-winning work on Carrie Underwood's 'Cry Pretty.' At this point in her career, McKenna had solidified her reputation as a premier songwriter, known for her poignant lyrics and personal narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brandi Carlile· Kacey Musgraves· Neko Case
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Town is a Woman 3:18
- 2 The Balladeer 3:51
- 3 Marie 3:33
- 4 The Dream 4:29
- 5 Uphill 3:01
- 6 Good Fight 3:18
- 7 Stuck in High School 3:11
- 8 When You're My Age 5:11
- 9 Two Birds 3:28
- 10 Till You're Grown 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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