What makes What the Crow Brings by The Low Anthem notable?

The album garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its rich soundscapes and lyrical depth, leading to a growing fanbase that would support the band through subsequent releases. It established The Low Anthem as a significant force in the indie folk movement, influencing many emerging musicians seeking authenticity in their craft. What the Crow Brings is The Low Anthem's debut album, released in 2007. At this point in their career, the band was establishing their identity within the folk rock scene, showcasing their unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. This album set the stage for their future explorations into atmospheric storytelling and instrumentation.

How many songs are on What the Crow Brings?

What the Crow Brings has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

What the Crow Brings

The Low Anthem · 2007

46 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

Whimsical melodies intertwine with haunting harmonies, painting a tapestry of melancholy and nostalgia in lush folk arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Ballad of the Broken Bones — This track opens the album with a powerful narrative about loss and resilience, setting a poignant tone that resonates throughout the record.
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Scavenger Bird — In this song, intricate instrumentation complements evocative lyrics about survival and the search for meaning, embodying the album's thematic core.
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Coal Mountain Lullaby — This haunting lullaby closes the album on a reflective note, with its minimalistic arrangement and soothing vocals creating a sense of closure and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and unique arrangements but lacks full cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a gradual build in instrumentation, starting with sparse arrangements and layering additional instruments as they progress.
The album closes with 'Coal Mountain Lullaby', which features a slow tempo and minimal instrumentation, providing a stark contrast to earlier, more energetic tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.