Workin' on a World
Iris DeMent · 2023
62 min · 13 tracks · country music
Iris DeMent's voice intertwines with poignant storytelling, creating a tapestry of folk and country that resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
Top tracks — play these first
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Workin’ on a World — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and perseverance amidst adversity, showcasing DeMent's ability to blend personal narrative with broader societal commentary.
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Goin’ Down to Sing in Texas — This track stands out for its celebration of community and music's power to unite people, embodying the spirit of traditional folk culture while addressing modern anxieties.
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Let Me Be Your Jesus — In this song, DeMent confronts spiritual longing with sincerity and introspection, offering listeners a vulnerable perspective on faith that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends poignant storytelling with strong acoustic arrangements, addressing relevant themes effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano forming the backbone of most tracks.
- DeMent's vocal delivery often employs a conversational tone, allowing for an intimate connection with the listener.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The lyrics frequently address contemporary social issues, weaving personal narratives with broader themes.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- heartfelt storytelling moments
- reflective, soulful listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2023, Workin' on a World marks Iris DeMent's first album in nearly a decade, following her 2015 release, The Trackless Woods. This album arrives at a time when DeMent's focus has shifted towards addressing social issues while maintaining her signature blend of folk and country styles. With her return, she reaffirms her place as a vital voice in American roots music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nanci Griffith· Lucinda Williams· Gillian Welch
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Workin’ on a World 3:49
- 2 Goin’ Down to Sing in Texas 8:05
- 3 Say a Good Word 4:56
- 4 The Sacred Now 4:12
- 5 I Won’t Ask You Why 4:02
- 6 Warriors of Love 5:39
- 7 Let Me Be Your Jesus 3:59
- 8 The Cherry Orchard 4:13
- 9 Nothin’ for the Dead 3:38
- 10 Mahalia 5:02
- 11 How Long 4:03
- 12 Walkin’ Daddy 6:30
- 13 Waycross, Georgia 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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