This Side of Jordan cover

This Side of Jordan

Watchhouse · 2013

40 min · 11 tracks · Americana

A reflective blend of folk and Americana, weaving poignant storytelling through intricate melodies and harmonies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    House of Stone — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, establishing themes of loss and longing that resonate throughout.
  • →
    Morphine Girl — This track captures an emotional intensity through its vivid storytelling about personal struggles, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Until the Last Light Fades — Closing the album, this song encapsulates a sense of resolution and acceptance, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of reflection and hope.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, with effective pacing and engaging harmonies.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate vocal harmonies that intertwine throughout the verses, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
  • The instrumentation often shifts between acoustic guitar, mandolin, and subtle percussion, creating a rich texture without overwhelming the vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 House of Stone 3:16
  • 2 Turtle Dove & The Crow 3:22
  • 3 There Was a Time 4:14
  • 4 The Runaround 3:06
  • 5 Cavalry 3:16
  • 6 Black Widow 3:14
  • 7 The Doorman 4:31
  • 8 Morphine Girl 4:20
  • 9 Hey Adam 4:08
  • 10 Waltz About Whiskey 3:46
  • 11 Until the Last Light Fades 3:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata