The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone cover

The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone

Lee Ann Womack · 2017

53 min · 14 tracks · country music

An evocative blend of traditional country and Americana, steeped in themes of heartache and longing.

Top tracks — play these first

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    All the Trouble Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    He Called Me Baby — This cover of a classic song showcases Womack's ability to breathe new life into timeless material while delivering a heartfelt performance that resonates with listeners.
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    Mama Lost Her Smile — This track offers a poignant narrative about loss and resilience, encapsulating the album's overarching themes through vivid storytelling and emotive delivery.
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    Bottom of the Barrel — With its sharp lyrics and compelling melody, this song reflects Womack's knack for combining personal anecdotes with broader social commentary, making it a standout moment on the record.
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    Long Black Veil — Womack's haunting interpretation of this classic ballad highlights her vocal range and emotional depth, effectively capturing the song's tragic essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional country with Americana themes, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that emphasize emotional weight.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional country instrumentation, such as steel guitar and fiddle, which enhance the Americana feel.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of loss and longing, with many songs featuring narrative storytelling that is characteristic of country music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady emotional exploration throughout
  • nostalgic reflections on heartache
  • for rainy afternoons
  • intimate moments of quiet contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party vibes
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes
Southern heartache· small-town loss
Career context
Released on October 27, 2017, The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone marked a significant return for Lee Ann Womack after a hiatus from studio albums. Following her last album in 2014, this project reestablished her presence in the country music genre, showcasing her signature storytelling and vocal prowess amidst a landscape increasingly dominated by pop influences.

Tracklist

  • 1 All the Trouble Start here 5:41
  • 2 The Gone 3:49
  • 3 He Called Me Baby 4:40
  • 4 Hollywood 4:05
  • 5 End of the End of the World 2:18
  • 6 Bottom of the Barrel 3:19
  • 7 Rainy Day Song 3:20
  • 8 Mama Lost Her Smile 4:02
  • 9 Wicked 4:07
  • 10 Long Black Veil 4:38
  • 11 Someone Else's Heartache 3:55
  • 12 Sunday 4:17
  • 13 Talking Behind Your Back 3:49
  • 14 Take the Devil Out of Me 1:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata