Wovoka cover

Wovoka

Redbone · 1973

34 min · 8 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock and Native American influences, weaving intricate melodies with a celebration of cultural identity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Come and Get Your Love — This track exemplifies Redbone's fusion of rock with catchy hooks and Indigenous themes, becoming their most recognizable anthem and a staple in popular culture.
  • →
    Wovoka — The title track serves as a powerful invocation of Native American spirituality, blending rhythmic guitar work with traditional chants that capture the essence of the band's mission.
  • →
    Liquid Truth — Offering a more introspective sound, this song delves into themes of authenticity and self-discovery, showcasing Redbone's lyrical depth amidst their vibrant instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Wovoka combines rock with Native American influences, creating a distinctive sound that reflects cultural identity.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features a call-and-response vocal style that incorporates Native American chants, setting a thematic tone for the album.
  • Several tracks blend rock instrumentation with traditional Native American rhythms, particularly in the percussion and melodic structures.
  • The album's pacing varies significantly, with the first half featuring more upbeat tracks while the latter half includes slower, reflective songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • uplifting and positive vibes
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • soulful melodic explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Wovoka was Redbone's third studio album, released in 1973 as they were gaining commercial traction following their hit single 'Come and Get Your Love' from the previous year. This release solidified their unique sound that combined rock with Indigenous elements, marking them as one of the early bands to bring Native American themes into mainstream music.
Stylistic neighbors
Sly and the Family Stone· War· The Meters

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wovoka 3:01
  • 2 Sweet Lady of Love 3:02
  • 3 Someday (A Good Song) 4:13
  • 4 Liquid Truth 5:04
  • 5 Come and Get Your Love 5:00
  • 6 Day to Day Life 2:43
  • 7 Chant Wovoka / Clouds in My Sunshine 4:44
  • 8 23rd and Mad 6:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata