What makes Widdershins by Grant-Lee Phillips notable?

'Widdershins' received critical acclaim for its narrative-driven songwriting and introspective themes, solidifying Phillips' reputation within the alternative rock scene. The album's singles garnered airplay on independent radio stations, contributing to a resurgence of interest in his music and positioning him as a poignant voice within contemporary songwriting. By the time 'Widdershins' was released in 2018, Grant-Lee Phillips was well-established as a solo artist following his tenure with Grant Lee Buffalo. This album marked his continued exploration of personal themes and social commentary after his previous release, 'The Little Moon,' in 2016, showcasing his evolving sound and lyrical depth.

Who is Widdershins for?

Widdershins works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective journey, thoughtful tunes for introspection and for afternoon walks.

How many songs are on Widdershins?

Widdershins has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Widdershins

Grant-Lee Phillips · 2018

41 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective tapestry of alternative rock, blending intimate storytelling with layered instrumentation and a touch of Americana.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Walk in Circles — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, encapsulating the theme of searching for direction.
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King of Catastrophes — With its vivid imagery and clever wordplay, this track stands out as an exploration of chaos and resilience, reflecting on personal struggles.
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History Has Their Number — This song combines poignant observations about society with a catchy chorus, making it both thought-provoking and memorable, illustrating Phillips’ knack for storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains niche within its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle percussion enhancing the storytelling.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective journey
thoughtful tunes for introspection
for afternoon walks
contemplative moments of self-reflection
gentle storytelling with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Widdershins' was released in 2018, Grant-Lee Phillips was well-established as a solo artist following his tenure with Grant Lee Buffalo. This album marked his continued exploration of personal themes and social commentary after his previous release, 'The Little Moon,' in 2016, showcasing his evolving sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Jeff Buckley· Nick Drake· The Jayhawks