Up on the Lowdown
Chris Smither · 1995
41 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A soulful blend of folk and blues, infused with storytelling and heartfelt melodies that resonate deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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Link of Chain — This track opens the album with an engaging narrative and showcases Smither's signature fingerpicking style, setting the tone for the introspective journey ahead.
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Can't Shake These Blues — An exploration of persistent sorrow, this song blends rich lyrical imagery with a groove that captures the essence of blues music.
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Time to Go Home — This closing track beautifully encapsulates themes of longing and resolution, highlighting Smither's ability to evoke deep emotions through simple yet profound storytelling.
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 guitar work, with a cohesive blend of folk and blues elements.
What we noticed
- Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, but several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that emphasize the blues influence.
- The lyrics often tell stories or convey personal reflections, with a focus on emotional resonance and vivid imagery.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- nostalgic storytelling with warmth
- introspective vibes for quiet evenings
- consistent flow for relaxed listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Up on the Lowdown is Chris Smither's fifth studio album, released after a period of revitalization following his 1993 album, Another Way to Find You. By this point in his career, he had solidified his reputation as a masterful songwriter and guitarist, showcasing a maturity in both his songwriting and performance techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Leo Kottke· Richard Thompson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What Was It You Wanted
The moment shifts from questioning the past to reflecting on missed opportunities, creating a sense of urgency and introspection.
This structural pivot deepens the emotional weight of the song, transforming it from mere inquiry into a poignant contemplation of life's choices.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Link of Chain 3:54
- 2 'Deed I Do 3:39
- 3 What Was It You Wanted 5:18
- 4 Up on the Lowdown 4:17
- 5 Bittersweet 3:37
- 6 Talk Memphis 3:12
- 7 Can't Shake These Blues 3:31
- 8 I Am the Ride 3:53
- 9 Time to Go Home 4:20
- 10 Jailhouse Blues 5:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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