The Joan Baez Ballad Book
Joan Baez · 1972
78 min · 23 tracks · country music
A rich tapestry of traditional folk melodies interwoven with Baez's emotive voice and profound storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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House of the Rising Sun — Baez's interpretation of this classic showcases her vocal depth and emotional range, transforming it into a haunting tale that resonates with listeners.
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Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair — This track highlights Baez's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity, pairing her clear vocals with poignant lyrics that evoke longing.
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Barbara Allen — In this rendition, Baez captures the tragic narrative beautifully, demonstrating her talent for storytelling within a musical framework.
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Wagoner's Lad — The song reflects themes of love and loss, showcasing Baez's skillful phrasing and the way she breathes life into traditional narratives.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic ballad journey
- hauntingly beautiful vocal storytelling
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- for cozy evenings
- engaging narratives through tradition
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time The Joan Baez Ballad Book was released in 1972, Joan Baez had established herself as a leading voice in the folk music scene, following her breakthrough debut album in 1960. This album came after a series of critically acclaimed records that solidified her position as both an artist and activist, particularly in the context of social issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Leonard Cohen· Odetta
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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All My Trials
The lyric shifts from personal reflection to a collective hope for peace and freedom, creating a powerful communal feeling.
This transition amplifies the song's emotional weight, as it moves from individual sorrow to a broader vision of liberation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 East Virginia 3:40
- 2 Henry Martin 4:10
- 3 All My Trials 4:40
- 4 Old Blue 2:32
- 5 House of the Rising Sun 2:52
- 6 Wagoner's Lad 2:14
- 7 Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair 2:33
- 8 Lily of the West 3:17
- 9 Silkie 3:55
- 10 The House Carpenter 5:08
- 11 The Trees They Do Grow High 2:59
- 12 Fare Thee Well (10,000 Miles) 3:15
Disc 2
- 1 Barbara Allen 4:13
- 2 Jackaroe 2:57
- 3 John Riley 3:50
- 4 Matty Groves 3:50
- 5 Queen of Hearts 2:15
- 6 Fennario 3:40
- 7 Go 'way From My Window 2:10
- 8 Railroad Boy 2:36
- 9 Mary Hamilton 5:54
- 10 Once I Had a Sweetheart 2:57
- 11 Silver Dagger 2:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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