The Medicine Show
Melissa Etheridge · 2019
42 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A vibrant blend of rock and folk that channels raw emotion through powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Medicine Show Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album, combining infectious energy with an exploration of healing and resilience in challenging times.
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Woman Like You — This empowering anthem reflects Etheridge's journey and advocates for female strength and independence, resonating with listeners seeking authenticity.
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Here Comes the Pain — This track delves into vulnerability, blending poignant storytelling with Etheridge's signature emotive delivery, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting but lacks cohesive flow in its pacing and structure.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the emotional connection and engagement with the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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 melodic journey throughout
- introspective moments of reflection
- raw emotional vocal delivery
- warmth for late-night listening
- engaging storytelling in each track
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in her later career phase.
- Career context
- Upon the release of The Medicine Show, Melissa Etheridge was navigating her career's latter phase, having achieved significant acclaim in the '90s. This album marked her first new material since 2014's This Is M.E., showcasing a return to form with a focus on personal experiences and societal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sheryl Crow· Janis Joplin· Pat Benatar
Tracklist
- 1 The Medicine Show Start here 2:27
- 2 Wild and Lonely 4:32
- 3 Shaking 3:05
- 4 Woman Like You 3:49
- 5 Faded by Design 3:37
- 6 I Know You 4:44
- 7 This Human Chain 3:51
- 8 Love Will Live 4:09
- 9 Here Comes the Pain 3:56
- 10 Suede 3:58
- 11 Last Hello 3:58
What to play next
One Way Out
2021
Continues the emotional rock vibe with fresh energy and deeper exploration of themes.
Fearless Love
2010
Sets the stage with similar heartfelt melodies and emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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