Released 20 years ago
Time Being
Ron Sexsmith · 2006
40 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A tender blend of folk and pop, with introspective lyrics set against lush yet understated instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Snow Angel — This track stands out with its haunting melody and vivid imagery, capturing a sense of longing and nostalgia that permeates the album.
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Cold Hearted Wind — In this song, Sexsmith's heartfelt delivery and clever wordplay evoke a deep emotional response, making it a quintessential representation of his songwriting prowess.
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Jazz at the Bookstore — The unique storytelling in this track combines humor and melancholy, illustrating Sexsmith's skill in blending personal anecdotes with broader themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with varied pacing and thoughtful arrangements, though it remains within familiar folk-pop territory.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm, creating a noticeable shift.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, particularly in 'Cold Hearted Wind' and 'Jazz at the Bookstore'.
- The album closes with a soft piano piece that contrasts sharply with the preceding tracks, providing a reflective ending.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- gentle acoustic melodies for introspection
- heartfelt lyrics for quiet contemplation
- ideal for cozy evening listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer immediate catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Time Being marks Ron Sexsmith's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Retrieving Bones. At this point in his career, Sexsmith was establishing himself as a respected songwriter known for his poetic lyricism and melodic sensibilities, continuing to build on the momentum gained from earlier successes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· James Taylor
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Think We're Lost
The shift from a hopeful tone to one of uncertainty reflects the narrator's realization of their circumstances.
This transition underscores the complexity of human emotions in relationships, showcasing Sexsmith's ability to navigate delicate themes with nuance.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hands of Time 3:16
- 2 Snow Angel 3:53
- 3 All in Good Time 3:35
- 4 Never Give Up 3:40
- 5 I Think We're Lost 2:56
- 6 Reason for Our Love 3:10
- 7 Cold Hearted Wind 3:40
- 8 Jazz at the Bookstore 3:29
- 9 Ship of Fools 3:09
- 10 The Grim Trucker 2:59
- 11 Some Dusty Things 2:37
- 12 And Now the Day Is Done 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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