The Devil You Know
Rickie Lee Jones · 2012
42 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A contemplative blend of rock and pop, featuring soulful interpretations of classic songs with an introspective twist.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sympathy for the Devil — This rendition transforms the Rolling Stones classic into a reflective exploration of moral complexity, showcasing Jones’ ability to reinterpret familiar narratives with emotional depth.
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Only Love Can Break Your Heart — Jones’ version imbues Neil Young's original with a haunting melancholy, revealing layers of vulnerability through her expressive vocal delivery.
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Masterpiece — Her cover of this song encapsulates the essence of the album, blending poignant lyrics with a lush arrangement that highlights her distinctive style.
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St. James Infirmary — This traditional jazz standard is infused with Jones’ signature flair, transforming it into a soulful lament that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends covers and originals, highlighting Jones' vocal strength but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate sparse instrumentation, allowing the vocals to take center stage, particularly on 'St. James Infirmary' and 'Comfort You'.
- The last three tracks create a reflective mood, gradually slowing down and concluding with a gentle finish.
- 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative late-night vibes
- poignant storytelling focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, The Devil You Know marked Rickie Lee Jones' return to the music scene after a six-year hiatus. This album followed the critically acclaimed Balm in Gilead and showcased Jones' continued evolution as an artist, melding her unique storytelling with reimagined classics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Nina Simone· Steely Dan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sympathy for the Devil 6:28
- 2 Only Love Can Break Your Heart 3:53
- 3 Masterpiece 4:28
- 4 The Weight 6:32
- 5 St. James Infirmary 2:18
- 6 Comfort You 3:12
- 7 Reason to Believe 5:18
- 8 Play with Fire 3:44
- 9 Seems Like a Long Time 3:54
- 10 Catch the Wind 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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