What makes The Tide by Lucy Kaplansky notable?

The Tide received critical acclaim and helped establish Kaplansky as a prominent figure in contemporary folk music. It emphasizes storytelling through song, influencing a wave of singer-songwriters in the 1990s and beyond. The album's success led to her being recognized at various folk festivals and securing slots on significant radio shows. When released in 1994, The Tide was Lucy Kaplansky's debut album following her time as a member of the folk trio Cry, Cry, Cry. This album marked her emergence as a solo artist, showcasing her distinct voice and songwriting ability after years in the background of the folk scene.

How many songs are on The Tide?

The Tide has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Tide

Lucy Kaplansky · 1994

42 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music

A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic folk arrangements that evoke longing and nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Tide — The title track captures the essence of the album with its haunting melody and vivid imagery, setting the tone for themes of change and reflection.
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When I Get to the Border — This cover of a traditional song showcases Kaplansky's ability to reinterpret classic material while infusing it with her unique emotional depth.
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Somebody's Home — This track highlights her storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative about belonging and connection that resonates deeply with listeners.

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 features strong songwriting and cohesive arrangements, establishing Kaplansky's voice in folk music.

What we noticed

Many songs feature layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements, with narratives that unfold over the course of each song.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Tide 4:16
2 When I Get to the Border 2:59
3 Texas Blues 2:49
4 The Heart 3:37
5 My Name Joe 5:04
6 Somebody's Home 3:40
7 Guinevere 4:20
8 Delivery Truck 3:08
9 You Just Need a Home 3:53
10 The Eyes of My Beholder 3:04
11 Secret Journey 2:42
12 Goodnight 3:17

What to play next

Listen next

Flesh and Bone

1996

Full Lucy Kaplansky discography Artists like Lucy Kaplansky

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata