The Buffalo Skinners
Big Country · 1993
59 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of expansive melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in a rich alternative rock sound that evokes both nostalgia and contemplation.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Are You Working For — This track critiques consumerism and the search for purpose, showcasing the band's ability to blend engaging melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
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The Selling of America — With its sharp social commentary, this song illustrates Big Country's knack for addressing pressing issues while maintaining a captivating sound.
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Long Way Home — This track encapsulates themes of longing and reflection, featuring soaring instrumentals that highlight the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with layered instrumentation but lacks a strong cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, more reflective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, expansive soundscape.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of identity and introspection, with verses often structured around personal narratives.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective journeys through soundscapes
- melodic explorations of emotional depth
- evening relaxation with thoughtful lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced thrills
- prefer standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1993, The Buffalo Skinners was Big Country's fourth studio album, following their 1991 release No Place Like Home. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in musical direction while still trying to maintain their signature anthemic sound amidst changing rock landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Waterboys· Simple Minds· U2
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Alone 5:08
- 2 Seven Waves 4:43
- 3 What Are You Working For 4:00
- 4 The One I Love 5:02
- 5 Long Way Home 5:55
- 6 The Selling of America 4:20
- 7 We're Not in Kansas 6:23
- 8 Ships 5:53
- 9 All Go Together 4:11
- 10 Winding Wind 4:30
- 11 Pink Marshmallow Moon 4:24
- 12 Chester's Farm 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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