What a Crying Shame
The Mavericks · 1994
40 min · 11 tracks · country music
A rich blend of country, rockabilly, and Tex-Mex flavors delivers heartfelt narratives over lush instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
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What a Crying Shame — This title track encapsulates the band's unique fusion of traditional country and rock elements, featuring poignant lyrics that explore themes of heartache and loss.
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Neon Blue — With its infectious melody and vivid storytelling, this track stands out for its nostalgic reflection on love lost amidst vibrant imagery.
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There Goes My Heart — This song combines upbeat rhythms with emotionally charged lyrics, reflecting the band's ability to balance joy and sorrow seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends various influences with strong songwriting and production, making it distinctive in the country genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a consistent pace, maintaining this energy through the first five songs before introducing slower ballads.
- Several tracks feature prominent accordion and horns, adding a Tex-Mex flavor that distinguishes them from typical country arrangements.
- The vocal harmonies are layered, with lead vocals often supported by backing singers that create a rich, full sound throughout the record.
- 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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8/10
- 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 mid-tempo storytelling vibes
- heartfelt narratives for road trips
- easygoing background for gatherings
- nostalgic melodies for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 1, 1994, 'What a Crying Shame' was The Mavericks' second studio album, following their self-titled debut. This album marked a significant step in their commercial success and artistic development, elevating them within the alternative country genre while showcasing their distinctive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Los Lobos· The Band· Dwight Yoakam
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What a Crying Shame
The bridge shifts to a moment of introspection where regret is palpable, capturing the weight of past decisions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 There Goes My Heart 3:20
- 2 What a Crying Shame 3:51
- 3 Pretend 3:41
- 4 I Should Have Been True 5:15
- 5 The Things You Said to Me 3:32
- 6 Just a Memory 2:24
- 7 All That Heaven Will Allow 3:36
- 8 Neon Blue 3:58
- 9 O What a Thrill 3:15
- 10 Ain’t Found Nobody 3:20
- 11 The Losing Side of Me 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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