Times of Our Lives cover

Times of Our Lives

Judy Collins · 1982

40 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A reflective blend of folk melodies and poignant lyrics that capture the complexities of love and life transitions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Great Expectations Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics exploring hopes and dreams, embodying the emotional core of Collins' storytelling.
  • →
    It's Gonna Be One of Those Nights — This song captures a sense of nostalgia and longing, showcasing Collins' ability to weave personal experiences into universal sentiments.
  • →
    Drink a Round to Ireland — A lively tribute that combines cultural storytelling with an infectious melody, reflecting Collins’ deep connection to her roots and heritage.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong storytelling and varied instrumentation, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The instrumentation varies from solo piano to full arrangements, creating dynamic shifts in mood throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • poignant storytelling in each song
  • for nostalgic evenings
  • sing-along reflections with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer high-energy party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog, appreciated for lyrical depth but not widely recognized as a standout.
Themes
nostalgic storytelling· Irish heritage celebration· reflective life journey
Career context
By 1982, Judy Collins was an established figure in the folk music scene, having gained fame with her earlier works such as 'Wildflowers' in 1967. 'Times of Our Lives' marked a continued evolution in her sound, showcasing her ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes amidst changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Joan Baez· Linda Ronstadt· Carole King

Tracklist

  • 1 Great Expectations Start here 4:05
  • 2 The Rest of Your Life 4:10
  • 3 Granddaddy 3:20
  • 4 It's Gonna Be One of Those Nights 3:45
  • 5 Memory 4:09
  • 6 Sun Son 4:27
  • 7 Mama Mama 4:17
  • 8 Drink a Round to Ireland 3:31
  • 9 Angel on My Side 4:35
  • 10 Don't Say Goodbye Love 4:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata