Released 20 years ago
The Year of the Leopard
James Yorkston · 2006
42 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A contemplative blend of folk melodies and storytelling, infused with warmth and introspection throughout its gentle acoustic arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Summer Song — This opening track establishes a reflective mood with its gentle instrumentation and vivid imagery that sets the tone for the entire album.
-
→
The Year of the Leopard — The title track encapsulates Yorkston's lyrical prowess, weaving personal narrative and folklore into a cohesive musical tapestry that resonates deeply.
-
→
Woozy With Cider — This song combines whimsical lyrics with an engaging melody, highlighting Yorkston's ability to blend humor and poignancy seamlessly.
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 storytelling within a cohesive acoustic framework.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Yorkston's vocal delivery often employs a conversational style, with lyrics that unfold like stories rather than traditional verses.
- Several tracks incorporate subtle instrumental layers, such as strings and woodwinds, which enhance the folk melodies without overwhelming them.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- heartfelt storytelling for introspection
- whimsical melodies for sunny days
- suitable for leisurely afternoon listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time James Yorkston released The Year of the Leopard in 2006, he was building on the success of his critically acclaimed debut, Moving Up Country. This album marked his third studio effort, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter within the traditional folk music scene while solidifying his distinctive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Smith· Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summer Song 4:25
- 2 Steady as She Goes 3:32
- 3 The Year of the Leopard 3:39
- 4 5 A.M. 3:57
- 5 Woozy With Cider 4:06
- 6 I Awoke 4:35
- 7 The Brussels Rambler 4:12
- 8 Orgiva Song 2:40
- 9 Don't Let Me Down 5:21
- 10 Us Late Travellers 5:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.