Till We Have Faces cover

Till We Have Faces

Over the Rhine

68 min · 17 tracks · country music

A rich tapestry of Americana and gospel-infused melodies layered over reflective lyrics that delve into human experience.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Eyes Wide Open Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and contemplative lyrics that explore awareness and vulnerability, drawing listeners into the album's thematic depth.
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    And Can It Be — This track stands out with its gospel influences and powerful vocal delivery, reflecting on themes of grace and redemption while showcasing the duo's musical versatility.
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    If I'm Drowning — With poignant imagery and an emotive arrangement, this song encapsulates feelings of despair and hope, making it a profound moment within the album's narrative arc.
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    Ubiquitous Hands — The track weaves together personal reflection with universal themes of connection and support through its intricate harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends introspective lyrics with rich harmonies, though its pacing and length affect its overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal and introspective themes, with a focus on human experiences and emotions.
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
5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate storytelling with depth
  • dynamic ebb and flow
  • haunting melodies for reflection
  • live tracks enhance emotional connection
  • for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Received critical acclaim for its introspective themes and artistic depth.
Themes
grace and redemption· vulnerable awareness· personal connection
Career context
Released in 2011, Till We Have Faces marked Over the Rhine's return to the studio after a four-year hiatus, following their album The Trumpet Child. The duo, consisting of Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler, sought to blend their signature folk influences with deeper lyrical explorations at a time when they were reestablishing their presence in the indie music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Neko Case· Gillian Welch

Tracklist

  • 1 Eyes Wide Open Start here 5:07
  • 2 Someday 4:36
  • 3 Like a Radio 5:07
  • 4 Iron Curtain 2:50
  • 5 Cast Me Away 0:45
  • 6 And Can It Be 5:48
  • 7 Gentle Wounds 4:11
  • 8 L.A.R. Reprise 1:07
  • 9 If I'm Drowning 5:00
  • 10 Sea & Sky 3:23
  • 11 Fly Dance (live) 6:20
  • 12 Paul and Virginia 4:05
  • 13 Ubiquitous Hands 4:12
  • 14 The Genius of Water 4:17
  • 15 Radio Coda (live) 5:47
  • 16 Downfall 3:32
  • 17 [untitled] 2:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata