The Trouble with Poets
Peter Mulvey · 2000
40 min · 11 tracks · Americana
A blend of introspective lyrics and folk-inflected melodies that capture the complexities of human relationships.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Trouble With Poets — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of artistic frustration and existential questioning through its poignant lyrics and engaging melody.
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Words Too Small to Say — This track stands out for its delicate arrangement and intimate reflection on communication barriers in relationships, showcasing Mulvey's lyrical prowess.
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Every Word Except Goodbye — Here, Mulvey balances melancholy with uplifting instrumentation, delivering a heartfelt message about loss and longing that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines skilled songwriting with strong performances, though it remains within established Americana conventions.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a steady tempo with layered guitar and vocal harmonies, setting a reflective tone for the album.
- The album includes moments where instrumentation drops out to emphasize vocal lines, particularly in the ballads, creating an intimate atmosphere.
- 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
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- poetic storytelling with gentle melodies
- subtle emotional nuances throughout
- ideal for leisurely afternoon listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2000, The Trouble with Poets is Peter Mulvey's fourth studio album, following his 1999 release, The Knuckleball Suite. At this point in his career, Mulvey had established himself within the Americana genre, building a reputation for his storytelling and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Greg Brown· John Gorka· Dar Williams
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Words Too Small to Say
A moment arises where the narrative shifts from pondering unspoken feelings to addressing them directly, creating a tension between silence and expression.
This shift emphasizes the struggle of articulating complex emotions, allowing listeners to feel the weight of what remains unsaid.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Trouble With Poets 3:40
- 2 Words Too Small to Say 3:57
- 3 Check Me Out (Hey Hey Hey) 3:47
- 4 Every Word Except Goodbye 3:49
- 5 Wings of the Ragman 3:47
- 6 You Meet the Nicest People in Your Dreams 2:06
- 7 Eyes Front (See Through You) 3:55
- 8 All the Way Home 3:00
- 9 Bright Idea 4:43
- 10 Tender Blindspot 4:23
- 11 Home 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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