There Is No Other
Rhiannon Giddens · 2019
45 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of folk traditions intertwines with contemporary themes, showcasing rich storytelling and diverse musical influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Letter — This track offers a poignant reflection on identity and belonging, merging heartfelt lyrics with Giddens' expressive vocals to create an intimate connection.
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Brown Baby — In 'Brown Baby', Giddens addresses themes of heritage and resilience through a tender lullaby-like melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Wayfaring Stranger — Giddens' rendition of this classic song imbues it with fresh emotional depth, showcasing her ability to reinterpret traditional material while retaining its timeless essence.
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There Is No Other — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, merging rhythmic vitality with a message of unity and shared humanity that is both urgent and uplifting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends traditional folk with modern themes, showcasing strong craftsmanship and engaging storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong vocal performance that layers harmonies, establishing a rich soundscape from the outset.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- evocative storytelling with warmth
- cultural heritage exploration through song
- intimate moments of personal connection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced albums
- seeking purely upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 3, 2019, 'There Is No Other' marks Rhiannon Giddens' first album since her Grammy-winning collaboration with Francesco Turrisi. At this point in her career, Giddens was solidifying her role as a leading voice in American roots music while exploring global folk traditions and personal narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dom Flemons· Aoife O'Donovan· The Milk Carton Kids
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ten Thousand Voices 2:57
- 2 Letter 4:03
- 3 Wayfaring Stranger 4:47
- 4 There Is No Other 2:25
- 5 Trees on the Mountains 5:15
- 6 Pizzica di San Vito 2:07
- 7 Brown Baby 5:07
- 8 Briggs’ Forró 4:03
- 9 Little Margaret 3:03
- 10 Black Swan 4:17
- 11 I’m on My Way 2:57
- 12 He Will See You Through 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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