The Way of the World
Mose Allison · 2010
35 min · 12 tracks · blues
Mose Allison blends jazz and blues with witty lyrics, creating a sound that feels both timeless and uniquely personal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everybody Thinks You're an Angel — This track exemplifies Allison's signature blend of humor and poignancy, revealing underlying themes of perception and reality through clever wordplay.
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Let It Come Down — With its reflective tone, this song captures a sense of resignation and acceptance, demonstrating Allison's skill in conveying complex emotions succinctly.
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The Way of the World — The title track encapsulates the overarching themes of the album, presenting a thoughtful commentary on life's unpredictability with Allison's characteristic wit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Allison's blend of jazz and blues with witty lyrics creates a unique sound that stands out in his discography.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate jazz-influenced chord progressions, while others lean more heavily into traditional blues structures.
- Lyrically, the songs often employ clever wordplay and humor, with themes that reflect personal and social commentary.
- 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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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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- laid-back afternoon listening
- clever lyrics for casual reflection
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- easygoing vibe with friends
- playful storytelling and wit
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy intensity
- prefer longer immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2010, The Way of the World marked Mose Allison's return to recording after a significant hiatus following his last album, 2000's The Way of the World. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a respected figure in jazz and blues, known for his distinctive vocal style and clever songwriting. This album serves as a testament to his enduring artistry even in his later years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ray Charles· Bill Evans· Nina Simone
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Ask Me Nice
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrator shifts from passive observation to direct engagement, challenging another character's assumptions.
This change in dynamics enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, showcasing Allison's ability to craft dialogue that feels both personal and confrontational.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 My Brain 2:59
- 2 I Know You Didn't Mean It 3:28
- 3 Everybody Thinks You're an Angel 2:58
- 4 Let It Come Down 2:31
- 5 Modest Proposal 2:29
- 6 Crush 2:55
- 7 Some Right, Some Wrong 2:48
- 8 The Way of the World 2:50
- 9 Ask Me Nice 3:20
- 10 Once in a While 3:32
- 11 I'm Alright 3:11
- 12 This New Situation 2:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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