Year in the Kingdom
Father John Misty · 2009
34 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
A contemplative blend of folk and indie rock wrapped in lush melodies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Year in the Kingdom Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics about life's impermanence, encapsulating Misty's lyrical style.
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Crosswinds — With its intricate instrumentation and evocative imagery, this track showcases Misty's ability to blend personal narrative with broader philosophical questions.
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Though I Have Wronged You — This song highlights Misty's poignant exploration of regret and forgiveness through its intimate vocal delivery and rich, layered production.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and varied instrumentation, establishing a distinct voice in indie rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building to a lush soundscape.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the themes presented.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 pacing for quiet moments
- introspective themes for reflective listening
- short tracks for focused sessions
- contemplative flow with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer straightforward catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Father John Misty as a distinctive voice in indie rock.
- Themes
- small-town introspection· personal regret· ephemeral love
- Career context
- Released as Father John Misty's debut album under this moniker in 2009, 'Year in the Kingdom' marked a transition from his previous work with Fleet Foxes. At this point, he was establishing his solo identity after years spent contributing to various projects, exploring themes of love, loss, and existential reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
- 1 Year in the Kingdom Start here 2:39
- 2 Crosswinds 4:19
- 3 Earthly Bodies 4:20
- 4 Howling Light 3:34
- 5 Though I Have Wronged You 3:24
- 6 Age of Man 5:14
- 7 There Is No Good in Me 5:04
- 8 Marked in the Valley 4:03
- 9 Light of the Living 1:34
What to play next
Fear Fun
2012
It continues the introspective themes with a more upbeat and playful sound.
Vacilando Territory Blues
2009
It shares a similar contemplative folk vibe, setting the stage for 'Year in the Kingdom'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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