Traces
Karine Polwart · 2012
43 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A rich tapestry of traditional folk woven with contemporary themes and Polwart's evocative storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cover Your Eyes — The opening track establishes the album's introspective tone, combining haunting melodies with reflective lyrics that invite listeners into Polwart's world.
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Tears for Lot’s Wife — This track stands out for its poignant retelling of a biblical tale, using vivid imagery to explore themes of regret and nostalgia.
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We’re All Leaving — 'We’re All Leaving' captures a paradox of yearning and resignation, with its lush instrumentation underscoring the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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Sticks ’n’ Stones — The track employs sharp lyrical wit to address societal issues, blending traditional folk elements with contemporary concerns about identity and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong songwriting with skilled execution, though it remains within familiar folk territory.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a soft, fingerpicked guitar that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the first half before introducing more layered instrumentation.
- Polwart's vocal delivery often features subtle harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating an intimate dialogue within the songs.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or narrative interludes, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- evocative storytelling with depth
- gentle reflections on life
- thoughtful moments of introspection
- richly woven emotional narratives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer quick, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Traces' was released in January 2012, Karine Polwart had already established herself as a prominent voice in the UK folk scene, following her acclaimed album 'This Earthly Spell' in 2009. This record marked her continued evolution as an artist, showcasing her ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kate Rusby· Emily Smith· Laura Marling
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cover Your Eyes 3:27
- 2 King of Birds 4:15
- 3 Tears for Lot’s Wife 4:01
- 4 Don’t Worry 3:42
- 5 We’re All Leaving 4:42
- 6 Tinsel Show 3:35
- 7 Strange News 5:08
- 8 Sticks ’n’ Stones 5:19
- 9 Salters Road 3:41
- 10 Half a Mile 5:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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