Tomorrow the Green Grass cover

Tomorrow the Green Grass

The Jayhawks · 1995

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative country

Melodic harmonies intertwine with reflective lyrics, blending alternative country and folk in a lush, sun-drenched soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blue — Opening with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track sets the emotional tone for the entire album while showcasing the band's signature harmonies.
  • →
    I'd Run Away — This song features an infectious chorus and poignant storytelling, encapsulating themes of longing and escape that resonate throughout the record.
  • →
    Bad Time — With its catchy arrangement and heartfelt lyrics about lost love, this track highlights the band's ability to blend melancholy with melodic hooks effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, blending alt-country and folk elements effectively.

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.
  • Harmonies are layered throughout, with multiple vocalists contributing to create a rich texture in the choruses.
  • Several tracks feature prominent acoustic guitar riffs that serve as the backbone for both melody and rhythm.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • reflective melodies for introspection
  • sun-drenched soundscapes for relaxation
  • easygoing tunes for afternoon drives
  • melodic harmonies that invite sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 14, 1995, Tomorrow the Green Grass marked The Jayhawks' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed Hollywood Town Hall. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the burgeoning alt-country movement, experimenting with richer arrangements while maintaining their rootsy charm.
Stylistic neighbors
Uncle Tupelo· Wilco· Son Volt

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I'd Run Away

    A shift occurs in the perspective as the narrator directly addresses someone they've longed for, revealing layers of vulnerability.

    This moment deepens the emotional impact by moving from reflection to confrontation, marking a pivotal change in connection within the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Blue 3:09
  • 2 I'd Run Away 3:33
  • 3 Miss Williams' Guitar 3:07
  • 4 Two Hearts 3:22
  • 5 Real Light 3:26
  • 6 Over My Shoulder 3:40
  • 7 Bad Time 3:27
  • 8 See Him on the Street 3:09
  • 9 Nothing Left to Borrow 3:24
  • 10 Ann Jane 4:00
  • 11 Pray for Me 3:39
  • 12 Red's Song 3:58
  • 13 Ten Little Kids 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata