The Traveling Kind cover

The Traveling Kind

Rodney Crowell · 2015

40 min · 11 tracks · country music

A reflective blend of country melodies and intimate storytelling that captures the essence of life's journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Traveling Kind — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of wanderlust and introspection, showcasing Crowell's lyrical depth and melodic craft.
  • →
    No Memories Hanging Round — This poignant song explores the weight of past relationships, marked by its emotional delivery and vivid imagery that resonates deeply.
  • →
    If You Lived Here You'd Be Home Now — This track highlights Crowell's ability to convey longing and nostalgia through simple yet powerful storytelling, creating a relatable atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's reflective songwriting and strong vocal harmonies create an engaging country experience.

What we noticed

  • The first track introduces a steady mid-tempo rhythm that persists through the majority of the album, creating a reflective atmosphere.
  • Several tracks feature harmonized vocals between Crowell and Harris, enhancing the storytelling aspect with their interplay.
  • The album closes with a track that shifts to a more upbeat tempo, providing a contrast to the introspective nature of the preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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 journey throughout
  • nostalgic storytelling with warmth
  • for quiet evenings
  • melodic tunes for contemplation
  • heartfelt moments of connection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'The Traveling Kind' was released in 2015, Rodney Crowell had already established himself as a respected figure in country music, known for his songwriting and artistry. This album came five years after his critically acclaimed record 'Sex and Gasoline', and it reflects a mature sound that balances personal narratives with broader themes of love and loss.
Stylistic neighbors
Guy Clark· Steve Earle· John Prine

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • No Memories Hanging Round

    The narrative shifts from reflection to acceptance, revealing how past experiences shape current relationships.

    This shift marks a transition from sorrow to resilience, illustrating Crowell's nuanced understanding of human emotions.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Traveling Kind 3:41
  • 2 No Memories Hanging Round 3:41
  • 3 Bring It On Home to Memphis 3:37
  • 4 You Can't Say We Didn't Try 3:27
  • 5 The Weight of the World 4:34
  • 6 Higher Mountains 4:12
  • 7 I Just Wanted to See You So Bad 3:03
  • 8 Just Pleasing You 4:21
  • 9 If You Lived Here You'd Be Home Now 3:00
  • 10 Her Hair Was Red 2:43
  • 11 Le danse de la joie 4:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata