The Walking
Jane Siberry · 1988
57 min · 8 tracks · pop music
Ethereal pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that invites deep reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Red High Heels — This track encapsulates Siberry's playful yet poignant lyricism, addressing themes of identity and self-expression through its catchy melody and vivid imagery.
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The White Tent the Raft — Opening the album with nearly ten minutes of immersive sound, this track sets the contemplative tone of the album and showcases Siberry's poetic storytelling.
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Goodbye — A tender exploration of farewell, this song highlights Siberry's emotive vocal delivery and ability to articulate vulnerability with grace.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics creates a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a layered vocal harmony that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
- Tracks often feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt changes in tempo and dynamics, particularly noticeable in 'Ingrid and the Footman'.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- haunting melodies that linger
- introspective reflections on life
- patient unfolding of narratives
- evening solitude with depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1988, The Walking was Jane Siberry's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed record, No Borders Here. At this point in her career, Siberry was solidifying her unique sound that blended elements of folk, rock, and pop while gaining recognition in the Canadian music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Germano· Fiona Apple· Tori Amos
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Goodbye
The final lines shift from personal reflections to broader existential musings, leaving an open-ended sense of loss.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The White Tent the Raft 9:12
- 2 Red High Heels 7:19
- 3 Goodbye 4:17
- 4 Ingrid and the Footman 7:06
- 5 Lena Is a White Table 6:41
- 6 The Walking (and Constantly) 6:16
- 7 The Lobby 6:19
- 8 The Bird in the Gravel 10:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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