The Silver Tongued Devil and I
Kris Kristofferson · 1971
33 min · 10 tracks · country music
A raw blend of country and folk, weaving personal narratives with social commentary through haunting melodies and evocative storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Silver Tongued Devil and I Start here — This title track serves as a powerful manifesto for the album, encapsulating Kristofferson's struggles with identity and morality through vivid storytelling.
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Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again) — A tender ballad that highlights Kristofferson's lyrical prowess, reflecting on love's complexities with both vulnerability and depth.
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The Pilgrim - Chapter 33 — This track stands out for its narrative style, presenting a philosophical exploration of life's journey while addressing themes of redemption and self-discovery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal narratives with social commentary, showcasing strong songwriting and distinct storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow, steady tempo and builds to a climactic chorus, setting a reflective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside sung verses, creating a narrative flow that enhances the storytelling.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and piano, with occasional strings, contributing to a raw and intimate sound.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
- poignant storytelling immersion
- reflective, contemplative listening
- narrative-driven emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Kristofferson's reputation in country music.
- Career context
- Upon its release in January 1971, Kris Kristofferson was transitioning from a struggling songwriter to a prominent figure in the outlaw country movement. This album followed his self-titled debut and marked a significant artistic leap, showcasing his ability to craft poignant narratives that resonated deeply with listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Townes Van Zandt· John Prine· Guy Clark
Tracklist
- 1 The Silver Tongued Devil and I Start here 4:18
- 2 Jody and the Kid 3:06
- 3 Billy Dee 2:57
- 4 Good Christian Soldier 3:22
- 5 Breakdown (A long Way From Home) 2:44
- 6 Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again) 3:47
- 7 The Taker 3:16
- 8 When I Loved Her 3:03
- 9 The Pilgrim - Chapter 33 3:12
- 10 Epitaph (Black and Blue) 3:23
What to play next
Border Lord
1972
Continues the blend of country and folk with deeper narratives and a more polished sound.
Kristofferson
1970
Sets the stage with similar raw storytelling and musical style, leading into 'The Silver Tongued Devil and I'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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