Voyageur cover

Voyageur

Kathleen Edwards · 2012

44 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A blend of introspective lyrics and airy melodies, merging folk sensibilities with a modern alt-country edge.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Empty Threat — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its haunting melody and explores themes of vulnerability and self-awareness, establishing the album's emotional depth.
  • →
    Change the Sheets — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics about moving on from past relationships, showcasing Edwards' knack for storytelling paired with evocative imagery.
  • →
    Going to Hell — With its bold title and confessional style, this track encapsulates the struggle between desire and consequence, highlighting Edwards' lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Voyageur blends folk and alt-country with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with a reflective ballad that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

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

  • reflective moments of solitude
  • melodic warmth for rainy days
  • introspective lyrics for deep thoughts
  • gentle pacing for winding drives

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2012, Voyageur is Kathleen Edwards' fourth studio album and her first after a three-year hiatus. Following the critical success of her earlier albums, particularly Asking for Flowers in 2008, this record marks a significant evolution in her sound, embracing a more polished production style under the guidance of producer Justin Vernon.
Stylistic neighbors
Neko Case· Brandi Carlile· Lucinda Williams

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Empty Threat 3:37
  • 2 Chameleon / Comedian 4:41
  • 3 A Soft Place to Land 4:25
  • 4 Change the Sheets 4:30
  • 5 House Full of Empty Rooms 3:01
  • 6 Mint 4:52
  • 7 Sidecar 2:38
  • 8 Pink Champagne 5:09
  • 9 Going to Hell 4:18
  • 10 For the Record 7:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata