Released 20 years ago
The True False Identity
T Bone Burnett · 2006
59 min · 12 tracks · rock music
A blend of rootsy rock and introspective storytelling layered with eclectic instrumentation and a distinctive vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Zombieland — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its eerie atmosphere and exploration of societal decay, reflecting Burnett's sharp lyrical commentary.
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There Would Be Hell to Pay — This track features a driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that address themes of responsibility and consequence, demonstrating Burnett's knack for storytelling.
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Fear Country — With its haunting melody and vivid imagery, this song encapsulates the emotional weight of fear and uncertainty in contemporary society, making it a standout moment.
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I'm Going on a Long Journey Never to Return — The contemplative nature of this track reveals a personal reflection on mortality, showcasing Burnett's lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends narrative depth with eclectic instrumentation, showcasing Burnett's songwriting and production skills.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Zombieland', immediately establishing a mid-tempo pace that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and horns, which add depth to the storytelling without overwhelming the vocals.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal narratives, particularly in 'Palestine Texas' and 'I'm Going on a Long Journey Never to Return'.
- The final track, 'Shaken Rattled and Rolled', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the tempo and creating a sense of closure.
- 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
- introspective storytelling with depth
- patient explorations of complex themes
- reflective listening for quiet moments
- eclectic instrumentation and textures
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- want concise, radio-friendly tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The True False Identity is T Bone Burnett's first studio album in six years, following the commercially successful album, The Criminal Under My Own Hat. At this point in his career, Burnett had established himself as a prominent producer and sought-after collaborator, making this release a return to his solo artistry with a fresh perspective influenced by his experiences in film scoring.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Daniel Lanois· Joe Henry· Leonard Cohen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Every Time I Feel the Shift
The verse captures a sense of impending change through vivid metaphors that evoke anxiety and hope simultaneously.
This duality in the writing creates a tension that mirrors real-life transitions, making the listener reflect on their own experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Zombieland 5:57
- 2 Palestine Texas 4:47
- 3 Seven Times Hotter Than Fire 4:41
- 4 There Would Be Hell to Pay 5:10
- 5 Every Time I Feel the Shift 6:52
- 6 I'm Going on a Long Journey Never to Return 5:21
- 7 Hollywood Mecca of the Movies 3:26
- 8 Fear Country 6:15
- 9 Baby Don't You Say You Love Me 4:08
- 10 Earlier Baghdad (The Bounce) 4:55
- 11 Blinded by the Darkness 5:18
- 12 Shaken Rattled and Rolled 2:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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