The Queen of Hearts
The Decemberists · 2017
48 min · 11 tracks · art rock
Folksy melodies intertwine with intricate storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects both nostalgia and contemporary themes.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Queen of Hearts Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and loss through its haunting melody and vivid storytelling, making it a standout representation of the band's artistry.
-
→
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face — This cover transforms a classic into a poignant ballad that showcases the band's ability to evoke deep emotion while paying homage to traditional songcraft.
-
→
Willie o’ Winsbury — This track highlights the band’s skill in narrative-driven song structures, weaving an engaging story that connects listeners to its folkloric roots.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with heart
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- engaging narrative flow throughout
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases the band's folk reinterpretations but isn't a standout in their catalog.
- Themes
- folkloric storytelling· nostalgic love letters· heartbreak ballads
- Career context
- By 2017, The Decemberists were well-established in the indie rock scene, having released six studio albums. 'The Queen of Hearts' followed their 2015 release 'What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World', showcasing a return to their folk roots while continuing to develop their narrative style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes
Tracklist
- 1 The Queen of Hearts Start here 3:55
- 2 Blackleg Miner 2:22
- 3 The Gardener 4:59
- 4 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 3:31
- 5 Flash Company 4:14
- 6 The Old Churchyard 4:07
- 7 Constant Billy (Oddington) / I’ll Go Enlist (Sherborne) 1:56
- 8 Willie o’ Winsbury 7:30
- 9 Bonny May 6:31
- 10 Sheepcrook and Black Dog 4:34
- 11 To Make You Stay 4:59
What to play next
I’ll Be Your Girl
2018
Continues the blend of storytelling with a modern twist, expanding on the themes from The Queen of Hearts.
What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World
2015
Sets the stage for the folk-infused narrative style found in The Queen of Hearts.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Explores deep personal narratives with a blend of folk melodies and emotional introspection.
Our Endless Numbered Days
Iron & Wine
Shares intricate storytelling and a warm, nostalgic acoustic sound that evokes similar feelings.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Combines rich harmonies and reflective lyrics, creating a sense of folk-driven nostalgia and introspection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.