The Rose of Roscrae
Tom Russell · 2015
149 min · 52 tracks · country music
A sweeping narrative tapestry woven with vivid storytelling and traditional melodies that celebrate the American experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Rose of Roscrae — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and identity, reflecting on the struggles and dreams tied to the American West.
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He Wasn’t a Bad Kid, When He Was Sober — This track stands out with its poignant narrative about redemption and loss, showcasing Russell's knack for storytelling through music.
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Ain’t No More Cane on the Brazos — This rendition highlights the rich tradition of American folk music while connecting listeners to historical contexts of hardship and resilience.
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She Talks to God — In this introspective piece, Russell explores themes of faith and personal struggle, further demonstrating his lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- rich storytelling through song
- late-night reflective listening
- campfire sing-along moments
- narrative-driven musical journey
- poignant themes of redemption
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious storytelling and historical narratives mark a high point in his artistic expression.
- Career context
- By the time 'The Rose of Roscrae' was released in 2015, Tom Russell had established himself as a prominent figure in Americana and country music, with a discography spanning over three decades. This album serves as a culmination of his earlier works, showcasing his ability to blend history and personal narrative through song, particularly following his acclaimed album 'Blood and Candle Smoke' from 2010.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Guy Clark· Townes Van Zandt· Steve Earle
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Overture 2:56
- 2 This Is the Last Frontier 1:13
- 3 Guilty/Johnny Behind-the-Deuce 5:38
- 4 Sam Hall 0:59
- 5 The Rose of Roscrae 5:33
- 6 Hair Trigger Heart 5:04
- 7 He’ll Be Dead Before He Hits the Ground 1:20
- 8 You Gotta Have a Dance/St James Hospital 2:41
- 9 Ain’t No More Cane on the Brazos 3:18
- 10 The Last Running 5:32
- 11 Home on the Range/America 1:13
- 12 Just a Closer Walk 2:24
- 13 Cowboy Voices Beyond the Campfire 2:02
- 14 He Wasn’t a Bad Kid, When He Was Sober 4:43
- 15 The Sidekick’s Last Testament 2:15
- 16 Johnny’s Campfire Soliloquy #1 1:36
- 17 The Unfortunate Rake/The Streets of Laredo 1:48
- 18 The Hands of Damien 2:17
- 19 This Is the Last Frontier/Campfire Soliloquy #2 1:41
- 20 Carrickfergus/The Water Is Wide 4:33
- 21 The Fairground Pugilist 1:31
- 22 Campfire Soliloquy #3 1:07
- 23 Campfire Ghosts/Cowboy Voices 2:16
- 24 Crazy Horse/Custer’s Luck 2:43
- 25 Johnny Behind-the-Deuce #2 Molokai 1:28
- 26 She Talks to God 3:21
- 27 Rock of Ages/Gunpowder Sunset Overture 2:52
Disc 2
- 1 The Water Is Wide/Overture 2:33
- 2 I Talk to God 3:13
- 3 The Bear 2:53
- 4 The Railroad Boy 1:04
- 5 Resurrection Mountain 3:46
- 6 When the Wolves No Longer Sing 2:59
- 7 Just a Closer Walk With Thee/The Gospel of John, Chapter 4 2:34
- 8 Jesus Met the Woman at the Well 2:37
- 9 Damien (A Crust of Bread, a Slice of Fish, a Cup of Water) 5:21
- 10 Guadalupe/Valentine de la Sierra 4:22
- 11 Poor Mother Mexico 1:20
- 12 Gallo del Cielo 1:33
- 13 Soliloquy #1/Swiss Yodel Choir 1:51
- 14 En Canadien Errant 1:09
- 15 He’ll Be Dead Before He Hits the Ground #2 1:32
- 16 Doin’ Hard Time in Texas 3:14
- 17 When I Was a Cowboy aka Western Cowboy 1:55
- 18 West Texas Montage 4:25
- 19 Old Rattlebag Blues (Soliloquy #2) 2:35
- 20 Midnight Wine 5:22
- 21 Whiskey in His Blood 2:31
- 22 Tularosa 3:50
- 23 Irish Medley/The Stable 4:51
- 24 Isn’t It Grand? 1:48
- 25 The Rose of Roscrae 5:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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