The Contemporary Ballad Book
Joan Baez · 1974
73 min · 20 tracks · country · folk · traditional folk music
A tapestry of folk storytelling woven with melancholic melodies and poignant reflections on love and loss.
Why this album works
- Best for
- steady pacing for reflective moments melancholic storytelling with depth poignant reflections on love
- Context
- By 1974, Joan Baez was already a prominent figure in the folk music scene, known for her activism and impactful voice. 'The Contemporary Ballad Book' came as her first album after a brief hiatus from recording, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic ballads while maintaining her signature emotional depth.
- If you like
- country, folk, traditional folk music
The Contemporary Ballad Book is an album by Joan Baez, released in 1974. A tapestry of folk storytelling woven with melancholic melodies and poignant reflections on love and loss. This album is significant in Baez's discography for its introspective take on contemporary folk, and it was well-received, reinforcing her status as a leading folk artist. It features notable covers that resonate with audiences, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the folk genre during the 1970s. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Contemporary Ballad Book sound like?
A tapestry of folk storytelling woven with melancholic melodies and poignant reflections on love and loss. Rooted in country and folk.
What makes The Contemporary Ballad Book by Joan Baez notable?
This album is significant in Baez's discography for its introspective take on contemporary folk, and it was well-received, reinforcing her status as a leading folk artist. It features notable covers that resonate with audiences, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the folk genre during the 1970s. By 1974, Joan Baez was already a prominent figure in the folk music scene, known for her activism and impactful voice. 'The Contemporary Ballad Book' came as her first album after a brief hiatus from recording, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic ballads while maintaining her signature emotional depth.
Who is The Contemporary Ballad Book for?
The Contemporary Ballad Book works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, melancholic storytelling with depth and poignant reflections on love.
How many songs are on The Contemporary Ballad Book?
The Contemporary Ballad Book has 20 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 North Country Blues 5:02
- 2 It Ain't Me, Babe Standout 3:22
- 3 Children of Darkness 3:56
- 4 C'Era Un Ragazzo Che Come Me Amava I Beatles E I Rolling Stones 3:15
- 5 Poor Wayfaring Stranger Standout 4:33
- 6 Birmingham Sunday Standout 4:01
- 7 San Francisco Mabel Joy 4:28
- 8 Be Not Too Hard 2:51
- 9 Restless Farewell 5:47
- 10 Ranger's Command 3:17
- 11 Long Black Veil 3:28
- 12 Hickory Wind 3:37
- 13 The Lady Came From Baltimore 2:33
- 14 I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine 3:15
- 15 The Tramp on the Street 3:28
- 16 Saigon Bride 3:16
- 17 Donna Donna 3:09
- 18 Song in the Blood 4:27
- 19 The Magic Wood 2:24
- 20 Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You 2:51
Release Date
January 1, 1974
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
73 min 0 sec
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