What It Is
Hayes Carll · 2019
38 min · 12 tracks · country music
A blend of witty storytelling and heartfelt reflection wrapped in traditional country melodies and a modern sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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American Dream — This track encapsulates the album's central themes by juxtaposing personal aspirations against societal expectations, utilizing a clever narrative style that is quintessentially Carll.
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If I May Be So Bold — In this song, Carll's biting humor shines through as he navigates the complexities of relationships, making it a standout example of his storytelling prowess.
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Jesus and Elvis — This track cleverly blends cultural commentary with personal reflection, highlighting Carll's ability to weave humor into more serious discussions about faith and fame.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends storytelling with traditional melodies but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and clever lyrics, while the fourth track shifts to a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs incorporate storytelling elements that unfold over multiple verses, allowing for character development.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 storytelling for introspection
- casual vibe for gatherings
- short tracks with quick payoffs
- humorous observations on everyday life
- heartfelt moments of vulnerability
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'What It Is' was released in January 2019, Hayes Carll had already established a reputation for his sharp lyrical style, following his critically acclaimed album 'Lovers and Leavers' from 2016. This album marked a return to form for Carll, emphasizing his rootsy sound while exploring more personal themes, showcasing his growth as a songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ryan Bingham· Sturgill Simpson· Kacey Musgraves
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 None’ya 3:30
- 2 Times Like These 3:00
- 3 Things You Don’t Wanna Know 3:13
- 4 If I May Be So Bold 3:13
- 5 Jesus and Elvis 3:22
- 6 American Dream 4:01
- 7 Be There 3:09
- 8 Beautiful Thing 3:03
- 9 What It Is 3:13
- 10 Fragile Men 2:41
- 11 Wild Pointy Finger 3:45
- 12 I Will Stay 2:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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