Trouble
Trampled by Turtles · 2007
47 min · 14 tracks · bluegrass music
A vibrant fusion of bluegrass and indie folk, rich with harmonies and heartfelt storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Still in Love With You — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, featuring poignant lyrics and a haunting melody that linger long after listening.
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Rich/Poor — The interplay of banjo and fiddle elevates this song, delivering a sharp critique of social inequality while maintaining an infectious energy.
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Like an Empty House — With its introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, this track showcases the band's ability to blend melancholy themes with lush arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends bluegrass and indie folk effectively, showcasing strong musicianship and varied tempos.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a steady tempo with upbeat instrumentation, while the second half introduces more introspective and slower tracks.
- Harmonies are layered throughout, with multiple vocalists contributing to a rich texture that enhances the storytelling.
- Several tracks feature instrumental breaks that showcase the band's proficiency on traditional bluegrass instruments like the banjo and mandolin.
- 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
- heartfelt storytelling across tracks
- for outdoor gatherings
- short bursts of reflective moments
- melodic harmonies for sing-alongs
- easygoing vibes for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer lengthy, epic compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 19, 2007, Trouble was Trampled by Turtles' third studio album, marking a significant moment in their ascent within the American roots music scene. At this point, they were transitioning from regional favorites to national recognition, showcasing an evolved sound that combined traditional bluegrass with a modern indie folk sensibility.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Punch Brothers· Nickel Creek· The Avett Brothers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Still in Love With You
The narrative shifts from longing to acceptance as it reflects on a past relationship's complexities without offering easy resolutions.
By avoiding straightforward conclusions, the writing deepens the emotional impact, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Valley 3:25
- 2 Still in Love With You 2:35
- 3 Arming of Infants 2:19
- 4 Salvation 3:25
- 5 Ceiling Slide 3:36
- 6 Rich/Poor 3:39
- 7 Like an Empty House 5:48
- 8 Tap the Kitchen Floor 2:13
- 9 Never Again 2:09
- 10 Trouble 4:43
- 11 Stranger 3:45
- 12 Spoiler 1:36
- 13 Who's Calling? 4:44
- 14 Last Page 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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