The Saint of Lost Causes
Justin Townes Earle · 2019
49 min · 12 tracks · country music
A poignant blend of Americana and folk rock, steeped in raw storytelling and reflective melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Saint of Lost Causes — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic depth, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary on loss and redemption.
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Ain’t Got No Money — This track stands out for its gritty realism and humorous take on financial struggles, showcasing Earle's ability to merge storytelling with relatability.
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Flint City Shake It — With its infectious rhythm and vivid imagery, this song captures the feeling of community amidst adversity, reflecting Earle’s roots and cultural commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional sounds with contemporary themes, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track shifts to a slower, more contemplative pace.
- Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with strings and acoustic guitar interplaying to create a rich soundscape.
- The lyrics often reflect personal and social themes, with storytelling that unfolds gradually across the verses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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 pacing for reflective moments
- narrative flow through personal struggles
- soulful storytelling with emotional weight
- for introspective afternoons
- captivating themes of resilience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2019, The Saint of Lost Causes is Justin Townes Earle's seventh studio album, coming after the critically acclaimed Kids in the Street. At this point in his career, Earle had solidified his place in the Americana scene, showcasing both personal growth and a deepening lyrical complexity as he navigated themes of loss and identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sturgill Simpson· Jason Isbell· Kacey Musgraves
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Talking to Myself
The lyrics shift from introspection to direct questioning about choices reveals a moment of self-clarity.
This structural choice emphasizes the internal conflict, marking a pivotal transition between self-doubt and realization.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Saint of Lost Causes 4:51
- 2 Ain’t Got No Money 3:05
- 3 Mornings in Memphis 4:32
- 4 Don’t Drink the Water 4:41
- 5 Frightened by the Sound 3:45
- 6 Flint City Shake It 3:44
- 7 Over Alameda 4:09
- 8 Pacific Northwestern Blues 3:37
- 9 Appalachian Nightmare 5:37
- 10 Say Baby 4:30
- 11 Ahi esta mi nina 4:06
- 12 Talking to Myself 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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