Wouldn't It Be Great cover

Wouldn't It Be Great

Loretta Lynn · 2018

36 min · 13 tracks · country music

A reflective blend of heartfelt storytelling and traditional country melodies that captures the essence of a life well-lived.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wouldn’t It Be Great? Start here — The title track opens the album with a wistful reflection on longing and nostalgia, setting the emotional tone for the entire collection.
  • →
    I’m Dying for Someone to Live For — This track reveals Lynn's vulnerability, expressing deep personal loss while maintaining a relatable narrative that resonates with listeners facing their own struggles.
  • →
    God Makes No Mistakes — With its uplifting message about acceptance and faith, this song showcases Lynn's ability to weave gospel themes into her country roots, providing solace amidst hardship.
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    My Angel Mother — A poignant tribute to her late mother, the song highlights Lynn's skill in crafting intimate stories from her life experiences, connecting with listeners through shared emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Loretta Lynn's storytelling through varied vocal styles and instrumentation, but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • Lynn's vocal delivery varies from soft and contemplative in tracks like 'My Angel Mother' to more assertive in songs like 'Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’.'
  • Several tracks incorporate rich instrumental arrangements, including strings and piano, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt storytelling with emotional depth
  • for quiet evening introspection
  • narrative flow that invites engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
  • seek standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a long hiatus, reflecting on life experiences.
Themes
small-town nostalgia· family legacy· faith and resilience
Career context
Released on January 1, 2018, 'Wouldn't It Be Great' was Loretta Lynn's first album in over a decade, following her 2004 release 'Van Lear Rose.' At this point in her career, Lynn had faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and the death of her husband, which deeply influenced the emotional resonance of this album.
Stylistic neighbors
Patsy Cline· Tammy Wynette· Dolly Parton

Tracklist

  • 1 Wouldn’t It Be Great? Start here 3:24
  • 2 Ruby’s Stool 2:53
  • 3 I’m Dying for Someone to Live For 2:30
  • 4 Another Bridge to Burn 3:47
  • 5 Ain’t No Time to Go 2:31
  • 6 God Makes No Mistakes 3:00
  • 7 These Ole Blues 2:52
  • 8 My Angel Mother 1:56
  • 9 Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ 2:12
  • 10 The Big Man 2:45
  • 11 Lulie Vars 2:49
  • 12 Darkest Day 2:30
  • 13 Coal Miner’s Daughter 3:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata