The Rainy Season cover

The Rainy Season

Marc Cohn · 1993

45 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A reflective blend of folk rock infused with poignant storytelling and rich melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Walk Through the World — Opening with an inviting melody, this track sets the tone for the album by exploring themes of connection and exploration through vivid imagery.
  • →
    The Rainy Season — The title track encapsulates the album's introspective nature, using metaphorical language to paint a picture of emotional vulnerability amidst life's uncertainties.
  • →
    Rest for the Weary — This song features a soothing arrangement that mirrors its theme of seeking solace, showcasing Cohn's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with melodic simplicity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and thematic cohesion but lacks standout production elements.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a reflective tone with slow to mid-tempo arrangements, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
  • Several songs feature intricate piano melodies that serve as the backbone for the vocal lines, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
  • The album closes with a track that revisits themes from earlier songs, creating a sense of circularity and reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 reflective listening sessions
  • poignant storytelling experiences
  • consistent emotional journeys
  • introspective late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
The Rainy Season marks Marc Cohn's second studio album, following his self-titled debut in 1991, which had already established him as a notable singer-songwriter. By this release in 1993, Cohn was building on the commercial success of his debut, further developing his lyrical style and musical arrangements while solidifying his place in the folk rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
James Taylor· David Wilcox· Glen Phillips

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Walk Through the World 4:56
  • 2 Rest for the Weary 5:07
  • 3 The Rainy Season 4:46
  • 4 Mama’s in the Moon 2:16
  • 5 Don’t Talk to Her at Night 3:03
  • 6 Paper Walls 4:24
  • 7 From the Station 3:07
  • 8 Medicine Man 4:29
  • 9 Baby King 3:09
  • 10 She’s Becoming Gold 5:30
  • 11 The Things We’ve Handed Down 4:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata