The Word from Mose
Mose Allison · 1964
30 min · 11 tracks · blues
A spirited blend of blues and jazz that showcases clever lyrical wit over distinctive piano-driven grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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Foolkiller — This track stands out for its playful yet biting commentary on societal absurdities, demonstrating Allison's trademark wit and musicality.
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Lost Mind — The haunting melody paired with introspective lyrics exemplifies Allison's ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining a lighthearted touch.
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Rollin' Stone — This track captures the essence of Allison's style, blending rhythmic sophistication with lyrical storytelling that reflects on life's unpredictability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mose Allison blends jazz and blues with clever lyrics, creating a distinctive sound that stands out in its era.
What we noticed
- Lyrically, the songs often employ clever wordplay and storytelling, with Mose Allison's vocal delivery emphasizing the wit in his lyrics.
- The tempo varies across tracks, with several maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create contrast within the album.
- The last two tracks feature a noticeable shift in mood, moving from upbeat grooves to more reflective themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- witty reflections on everyday life
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful yet introspective vibes
- for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long immersive experiences
- prefer high-energy fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1964, The Word from Mose was Mose Allison's fifth studio album, solidifying his unique blend of jazz and blues. This album followed the critical success of his earlier works, marking a phase where he began to gain wider recognition in both the jazz and popular music scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ray Charles· Bill Evans· Nina Simone
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Days Like This
The verse shifts the focus from personal struggles to universal themes of resilience during tough times.
By broadening the perspective, this moment connects individual experiences to a collective sense of hopefulness.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Foolkiller 2:26
- 2 One of These Days 3:02
- 3 Look Here 2:14
- 4 Days Like This 2:52
- 5 Your Red Wagon 2:15
- 6 I'm the Wild Man 1:55
- 7 Rollin' Stone 3:00
- 8 New Parchman 3:04
- 9 Don't Forget to Smile 2:47
- 10 I'm Not Talking 2:30
- 11 Lost Mind 4:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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