What makes This Earthly Spell by Karine Polwart notable?

The album received widespread critical acclaim, showcasing Polwart's unique ability to weave personal narratives with broader social themes. It achieved significant recognition in the UK folk scene, winning the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2009 and further cementing her status as an influential figure in modern folk music. This Earthly Spell is Karine Polwart's second studio album, released after her acclaimed debut, Faultlines, which established her as a significant voice in contemporary folk music. By 2008, Polwart was solidifying her reputation not only as a talented songwriter but also as a performer who could evoke deep emotional responses through her storytelling.

Who is This Earthly Spell for?

This Earthly Spell works well if you're into introspective reflections on life, haunting melodies for quiet moments and emotional depth in each track.

How many songs are on This Earthly Spell?

This Earthly Spell has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

This Earthly Spell

Karine Polwart · 2008

44 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music

A haunting blend of traditional folk melodies and introspective lyrics, enveloping listeners in a rich emotional landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Good Years — Opening with a reflective tone, this track sets the album's thematic stage by contemplating nostalgia and the passage of time, showcasing Polwart's poignant lyricism.
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Sorry — This track stands out for its raw vulnerability, where Polwart expresses remorse and longing through delicate instrumentation and heartfelt vocals, exemplifying her emotional depth.
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Firethief — With its vivid imagery and allegorical storytelling, this song captures the essence of human experience, using fire as a metaphor for passion and loss.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Polwart's blend of personal and social themes creates a compelling narrative throughout the album.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a soft acoustic guitar, gradually layering in strings and harmonies that build throughout the song.
Lyrically, the songs frequently explore personal themes intertwined with broader social commentary, creating a reflective atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

introspective reflections on life
haunting melodies for quiet moments
emotional depth in each track
gentle pacing for thoughtful listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy engagement
prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context: This Earthly Spell is Karine Polwart's second studio album, released after her acclaimed debut, Faultlines, which established her as a significant voice in contemporary folk music. By 2008, Polwart was solidifying her reputation not only as a talented songwriter but also as a performer who could evoke deep emotional responses through her storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: Kate Rusby· Emily Smith· Laura Marling