The Following Mountain
Sam Amidon · 2017
41 min · 9 tracks · traditional folk music
Ethereal folk melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an immersive soundscape that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fortune — This opening track sets the tone with its delicate instrumentation and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the album's themes of reflection and longing.
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Ghosts — In this track, Amidon's haunting delivery paired with sparse instrumentation creates an atmosphere of melancholy that resonates throughout the album.
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Trouble in Mind — A reinterpretation of a classic blues song, this track highlights Amidon's ability to bridge genres while maintaining emotional depth, showcasing his artistic range.
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April — At nearly twelve minutes long, this closing piece weaves together various musical motifs, culminating in a profound exploration of time and memory that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate arrangements and reflective melodies, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gentle, flowing melody in 'Fortune' that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the first half.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies throughout, often creating a call-and-response effect between Amidon and backing singers.
- The final track, 'April', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering atmosphere.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- ethereal melodies for introspective moments
- short tracks for reflection
- haunting vocals that linger
- immersive soundscapes for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek extensive lyrical narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Sam Amidon released The Following Mountain in 2017, he was already recognized for his innovative approach to traditional folk music, following his acclaimed album Lily-O in 2014. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into the intersections of folk and contemporary sounds, showcasing his unique interpretations of American roots music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Another Story Told
A shift occurs when the perspective changes from reflective to directly addressing another person, revealing deeper layers of connection and vulnerability.
This transition deepens the emotional impact by contrasting personal reflection with direct engagement, emphasizing the complexities of relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fortune 2:21
- 2 Ghosts 2:05
- 3 Juma Mountain 3:38
- 4 Another Story Told 4:38
- 5 Gendel In 5 4:29
- 6 Blackbird 2:48
- 7 Trouble in Mind 5:04
- 8 Warren 4:34
- 9 April 11:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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