The Weatherman
Gregory Alan Isakov · 2013
41 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music
A tender exploration of human emotions, wrapped in evocative melodies and intimate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Amsterdam — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics about longing and the nuances of place, showcasing Isakov's signature blend of narrative and melody.
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Living Proof — The song captures a sense of vulnerability through its haunting arrangement and poignant lyrics that delve into themes of love and connection, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Suitcase Full of Sparks — This track encapsulates the album’s underlying theme of searching for meaning within fleeting moments, enhanced by its rich instrumentation and vivid imagery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, though it follows familiar folk templates.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft vocals, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, gradually building from solo arrangements to fuller soundscapes by the end.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, with recurring themes of nature and introspection throughout the record.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- intimate storytelling through melodies
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- short tracks for gentle listening
- poignant themes of nostalgia
- warm background for cozy gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer standalone, upbeat singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of The Weatherman in 2013, Gregory Alan Isakov had already established himself within the folk scene, following his previous album This Empty Northern Hemisphere from 2009. This album marked a significant moment in his career as it showcased a matured songwriting style, drawing deeper connections between nature and personal experience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Living Proof
The bridge shifts perspective to directly address the listener’s heartache, inviting them into a shared space of understanding.
This direct appeal breaks from the more abstract storytelling in earlier verses, creating an emotional intimacy that deepens the impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Amsterdam 3:18
- 2 Saint Valentine 3:23
- 3 Second Chances 3:49
- 4 Living Proof 4:17
- 5 Time Will Tell 2:47
- 6 O' City Lights 2:39
- 7 Astronaut 2:09
- 8 California Open Back 1:20
- 9 The Universe 4:16
- 10 Suitcase Full of Sparks 3:56
- 11 Honey, It's Alright 3:11
- 12 All Shades of Blue 3:33
- 13 She Always Takes It Black 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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