When the Haar Rolls In
James Yorkston · 2008
49 min · 9 tracks · traditional folk music
A haunting blend of traditional folk melodies and introspective lyrics, drawing listeners into a contemplative soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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When the Haar Rolls In — The title track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality with its reflective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, creating a poignant listening experience.
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Queen of Spain — This track showcases Yorkston's storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative that combines personal longing with a historical lens, enriched by its melodic structure.
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Tortoise Regrets Hare — By juxtaposing whimsical imagery with deeper themes of regret and reflection, this song stands out for its clever lyrical play and engaging rhythm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Yorkston's blend of traditional melodies and introspective lyrics creates a cohesive and engaging folk experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an instrumental track that sets a reflective tone, followed by songs that feature intricate guitar work and layered vocals.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instruments, such as the fiddle and accordion, enhancing the album's roots in folk music.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with each song presenting a distinct narrative arc that invites deeper listening.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- serene nostalgia for quiet moments
- wave-like pacing with gradual build
- introspective reflections on life
- for rainy afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When the Haar Rolls In marks James Yorkston's fourth studio album, following his critically acclaimed release, The Year of the Leopard. At this stage in his career, Yorkston was solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice within the UK folk scene, known for his intricate storytelling and emotive performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Smith· Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Summer’s Not the Same Without You
The lyrics shift from reminiscing about shared experiences to an urgent plea for connection.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 B’s Jig 5:56
- 2 Tortoise Regrets Hare 3:57
- 3 Temptation 4:29
- 4 When the Haar Rolls In 6:54
- 5 Queen of Spain 5:24
- 6 Midnight Feast 6:37
- 7 Would You Have Me Born With Wooden Eyes 3:19
- 8 Summer’s Not the Same Without You 4:08
- 9 Capture of the Horse 8:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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