What Comes After the Blues
Jason Molina · 2005
36 min · 8 tracks · indie rock
A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and introspective lyrics, steeped in the essence of American folk and alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Dark Don't Hide It — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its somber yet beautiful instrumentation, establishing themes of introspection and emotional honesty that persist throughout.
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Hard to Love a Man — This song presents a poignant exploration of personal flaws and relational struggles, showcasing Molina's ability to weave vulnerability into compelling narratives.
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I Can Not Have Seen the Light — Closing the album, this track encapsulates a sense of resignation and yearning, highlighted by its atmospheric arrangement that lingers long after the final note.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Molina's blend of folk and rock creates a haunting atmosphere, supported by strong lyrical themes and varied arrangements.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a slow build in intensity, with layered instrumentation gradually introduced.
- Several songs utilize a call-and-response vocal technique, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a stark, solo vocal performance that contrasts sharply with the preceding arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- melancholic reflections on life
- for late-night solitude
- introspective mood for quiet moments
- haunting melodies that linger
- gentle pacing invites deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2005, What Comes After the Blues is Jason Molina's first album after disbanding Songs: Ohia, marking a significant shift in his artistic direction. At this point in his career, Molina was transitioning from a more traditional indie sound into a lo-fi aesthetic, exploring themes of solitude and emotional vulnerability.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Will Oldham· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Dark Don't Hide It 4:14
- 2 The Night Shift Lullaby 4:33
- 3 Leave the City 4:28
- 4 Hard to Love a Man 4:18
- 5 Give Something Else Away Every Day 4:57
- 6 Northstar Blues 5:08
- 7 Hammer Down 2:41
- 8 I Can Not Have Seen the Light 5:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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