Released 20 years ago
This Old Road
Kris Kristofferson · 2006
37 min · 11 tracks · country music
A reflective journey through Americana, blending heartfelt storytelling with subtle melodies and seasoned vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Old Road Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of reflection and nostalgia, showcasing Kristofferson's poignant songwriting and deep vocal delivery.
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In the News — This song addresses contemporary issues with a critical eye, blending social commentary with a melodic structure that highlights Kristofferson's storytelling prowess.
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Thank You for a Life — An emotional farewell that ties together themes of gratitude and loss, this track serves as a touching reminder of life's fleeting moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's reflective songwriting and cohesive flow create a rewarding listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a reflective tone with slow tempos and acoustic instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect, particularly in 'Love Is the Last Thing to Go' and 'Chase the Feeling'.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually reduce the tempo, allowing for a contemplative finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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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 reflective listening experience
- gentle melodies for introspection
- heartfelt storytelling with warmth
- ideal for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- This Old Road marked Kris Kristofferson's return to recording after a lengthy hiatus; it was his first studio album in over a decade. At this point in his career, Kristofferson had shifted from mainstream recognition to a more introspective phase, focusing on personal themes and reflections stemming from his experiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Townes Van Zandt· John Prine· Guy Clark
Tracklist
- 1 This Old Road Start here 3:59
- 2 Pilgrim’s Progress 2:14
- 3 Love Is the Last Thing to Go 2:59
- 4 Wild American 2:26
- 5 In the News 3:30
- 6 The Burden of Freedom 3:25
- 7 Chase the Feeling 4:06
- 8 Holy Creation 4:37
- 9 The Show Goes On 3:19
- 10 Thank You for a Life 3:44
- 11 Final Attraction 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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