Released 10 years ago
Undercurrent
Sarah Jarosz · 2016
36 min · 11 tracks · country music
A delicate blend of folk and Americana, woven through intricate harmonies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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House of Mercy — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant exploration of vulnerability, encapsulating the emotional heart of the album. Its layered instrumentation complements Jarosz's evocative vocal delivery.
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Everything to Hide — The song’s reflective lyrics delve into themes of honesty and self-discovery, showcasing Jarosz's lyrical prowess and ability to convey complex emotions. The interplay between guitar and mandolin adds depth to its narrative.
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Take Me Back — This track features a nostalgic yearning that resonates deeply, with a gentle arrangement that highlights Jarosz's expressive voice. Its simplicity allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar Americana structures.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements, including strings and harmonies.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal technique, enhancing the interplay between Jarosz's voice and her collaborators.
- The album closes with a track that features a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling rather than a definitive conclusion.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- morning coffee companion vibes
- intimate storytelling through song
- gentle melodies for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Undercurrent is Sarah Jarosz's fourth studio album and showcases her growth after winning a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album with her previous release, Build Me Up From Bones. This album marks a significant step in her evolution as a songwriter, highlighting her ability to craft personal narratives while collaborating with notable musicians such as Aoife O'Donovan and Chris Thile.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aoife O'Donovan· Punch Brothers· The Civil Wars
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Early Morning Light 2:35
- 2 Green Lights 3:34
- 3 House of Mercy 4:38
- 4 Everything to Hide 3:23
- 5 Back of My Mind 3:38
- 6 Comin’ Undone 3:01
- 7 Take Another Turn 2:34
- 8 Lost Dog 3:39
- 9 Take Me Back 2:34
- 10 Still Life 2:53
- 11 Jacqueline 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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