What makes Wildwood Flower by June Carter Cash notable?

Wildwood Flower received critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth, showcasing June's lifelong connection to the music she loved. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album, reflecting its impact on both fans and critics alike. Released on September 9, 2003, Wildwood Flower was June Carter Cash's final studio album before her passing in May 2003. This album came after her long career as a member of the legendary Carter Family and as a prominent figure alongside Johnny Cash, marking a significant return to her roots in traditional folk and country music.

How many songs are on Wildwood Flower?

Wildwood Flower has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Wildwood Flower

June Carter Cash · 2003

44 min · 13 tracks · country music

Traditional folk and country melodies intertwine with heartfelt storytelling, embodying a rich heritage of American music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Keep on the Sunny Side — This track encapsulates the optimism and resilience found throughout the album, serving as an uplifting anthem rooted in folk tradition.
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Wildwood Flower — The title track draws from deep historical roots, weaving together themes of nature and nostalgia that resonate with June's personal history.
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Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone? — This poignant song highlights June's vocal strength and emotional delivery, addressing themes of loss and reflection that permeate her work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and traditional arrangements, with a cohesive flow and heartfelt storytelling.

What we noticed

The album features traditional country instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle, creating a classic folk sound.
Many tracks incorporate spoken introductions that provide context or storytelling elements before the music begins.
The sequencing includes several medleys, such as 'Church in the Wildwood / Lonesome Valley,' blending songs seamlessly into one another.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Keep on the Sunny Side 2:44
2 The Road to Kaintuck 2:53
3 (Carter Girls intro) Kneeling Drunkard’s Plea 3:27
4 Storms Are on the Ocean 3:24
5 (Little Junie intro) Temptation 2:26
6 Big Yellow Peaches 3:24
7 Alcatraz 3:35
8 Sinking in the Lonesome Sea 4:40
9 Church in the Wildwood / Lonesome Valley 3:24
10 Cannonball Blues 3:00
11 Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone? 3:52
12 Anchored in Love 2:53
13 Wildwood Flower 4:26

What to play next

Listen next

Church in the Wildwood: A Treasury of Appalachian Gospel

2005

Go back to

Louisiana Hayride

2003

Full June Carter Cash discography Artists like June Carter Cash

traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata