Truthfully Truthfully cover

Truthfully Truthfully

Joel Plaskett · 2003

46 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A vibrant mix of folk rock and acoustic storytelling, blending introspective lyrics with catchy melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Written All Over Me — This track showcases Plaskett's knack for blending catchy hooks with reflective lyrics about identity and self-perception, setting the tone for the album.
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    Extraordinary — With its upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics, this song captures the essence of finding wonder in everyday life, making it a standout anthem.
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    The Day You Walked Away — The emotional depth of this track highlights Plaskett's ability to convey heartbreak through vivid storytelling and melodic intricacies.
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    Come On, Teacher — This song blends humor and nostalgia, reflecting on youth and education with a catchy chorus that encapsulates the album's playful spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with introspective storytelling, showcasing Plaskett's growth as a songwriter.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a contrasting dynamic.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic appeal.
  • The lyrics often tell personal stories or reflect on relationships, with a focus on introspection and emotional resonance.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • playful spirit with introspective lyrics
  • for afternoon drives
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • balanced pacing for easy listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of heavy intensity
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Truthfully Truthfully is Joel Plaskett's second studio album, released after his debut, 2001's In Need of Medical Attention. This album marked a period of artistic growth for Plaskett as he transitioned from the indie band Thrush Hermit into a solo artist, establishing his distinctive sound and narrative style.
Stylistic neighbors
Sam Roberts· The Weakerthans· Hayden

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Extraordinary

    The bridge shifts from personal reflection to broader observations about life's small wonders.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Written All Over Me 3:51
  • 2 Work Out Fine 3:36
  • 3 Mystery and Crime 3:29
  • 4 Extraordinary 3:48
  • 5 Come On, Teacher 3:46
  • 6 The Red Light 4:46
  • 7 Radio Fly 3:53
  • 8 You Came Along 4:39
  • 9 Lights Down Low 3:45
  • 10 The Day You Walked Away 3:48
  • 11 All the Pretty Faces 3:25
  • 12 Heart to Heart With Lionel 3:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata