'Til Your River Runs Dry cover

'Til Your River Runs Dry

Eric Burdon · 2013

54 min · 12 tracks · blues

A blend of bluesy rock and soul, infused with reflections on life, loss, and social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Water — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its profound exploration of human existence and the metaphorical significance of water in life.
  • →
    Devil and Jesus — This song contrasts good and evil through personal anecdotes, highlighting Burdon's storytelling prowess while delving into timeless moral dilemmas.
  • →
    River Is Rising — With its urgent rhythm and evocative imagery, this track captures a sense of impending change and resilience, reflecting Burdon's ability to address contemporary issues.
  • →
    Medicine Man — This track combines traditional blues elements with modern relevance, as it addresses themes of healing and societal challenges faced by communities.

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 features strong songwriting and solid performances, with a cohesive flow that reflects Burdon's experiences.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that intertwine with Burdon's vocals, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The last three tracks shift towards more introspective themes, creating a sense of closure as the album progresses.
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 3/10

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

  • soulful storytelling with depth
  • reflective moments for contemplation
  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • emotional resonance in every track
  • longer tracks with rich narratives

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2013, 'Til Your River Runs Dry marked Eric Burdon's return to recording after a long hiatus following his last studio album in 2004. This album came during a phase where Burdon was revisiting his roots and incorporating contemporary themes into his music, showcasing his enduring relevance in the rock genre as he approached his seventies.
Stylistic neighbors
The Animals· Joe Cocker· Santana

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Water 4:20
  • 2 Memorial Day 4:39
  • 3 Devil and Jesus 4:22
  • 4 Wait 3:45
  • 5 Old Habits Die Hard 4:01
  • 6 Bo Diddley Special 5:29
  • 7 In the Ground 4:10
  • 8 27 Forever 4:27
  • 9 River Is Rising 5:59
  • 10 Medicine Man 4:39
  • 11 Invitation to the White House 5:55
  • 12 Before You Accuse Me 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata