Wine Dark Sea
Jolie Holland · 2014
54 min · 11 tracks · country music
A haunting blend of folk and country, weaving intricate narratives through ethereal melodies and emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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On and On — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and delicate instrumentation, encapsulating Holland's signature style.
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First Sign of Spring — With vivid imagery and a sense of renewal, this song captures the essence of change, making it a standout moment on the record.
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Out on the Wine Dark Sea — The title track embodies the thematic exploration of journeys both literal and metaphorical, showcasing Holland's lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and country with intricate narratives, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between mid-tempo and slower ballads.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle percussion enhancing the emotional weight of the melodies.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady flow with emotional peaks
- haunting melodies for introspection
- poetic storytelling in each track
- ideal for reflective evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Jolie Holland released Wine Dark Sea in 2014, she was already an established artist known for her distinctive blend of folk and Americana. This album followed her critically acclaimed work on The Living and the Dead (2006) and marked a return to her roots after a period of experimentation with sound and production. Holland's evolution as an artist is evident in the lyrical depth and production choices here.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Neko Case· Lucinda Williams· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 On and On 3:56
- 2 First Sign of Spring 4:52
- 3 Dark Days 5:18
- 4 Route 30 4:51
- 5 I Thought It Was the Moon 4:01
- 6 The Love You Save 5:14
- 7 All the Love 4:11
- 8 Saint Dymphna 6:14
- 9 Palm Wine Drunkard 6:06
- 10 Out on the Wine Dark Sea 5:51
- 11 Waiting for the Sun 3:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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