What makes Years to Burn by Iron & Wine notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its rich harmonies and lyrical depth. It debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart, reaffirming Iron & Wine's enduring appeal in the contemporary folk scene. Years to Burn marks a significant collaborative effort for Iron & Wine, being the first full-length album with fellow singer-songwriter Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses. Released in early 2019, this album follows the acclaimed Beast Epic from 2017, showcasing a fresh dynamic that highlights both artists' strengths.

Who is Years to Burn for?

Years to Burn works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, intricate storytelling for deep listening and climactic flow through contemplative themes.

How many songs are on Years to Burn?

Years to Burn has 8 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Years to Burn

Iron & Wine · 2019

32 min · 8 tracks · country music

A haunting blend of folk and country, infused with contemplative lyrics and warm acoustic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Heaven’s Left — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its lush instrumentation and poignant themes of loss and longing, inviting listeners into the album's contemplative space.
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The Bitter Suite (Pájaro / Evil Eye / Tennessee Train) — This ambitious suite encapsulates the album's exploration of complex emotions through varied musical sections, illustrating both artists' storytelling abilities and collaborative synergy.
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Years to Burn — The title track combines vivid imagery and poignant reflections on time and existence, serving as a focal point for the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and rich harmonies, but its appeal may be more niche within the broader folk genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature layered harmonies and build gradually, while the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic, driving beat.
The album closes with two tracks that slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for reflective moments that contrast with earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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
intricate storytelling for deep listening
climactic flow through contemplative themes
for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Years to Burn marks a significant collaborative effort for Iron & Wine, being the first full-length album with fellow singer-songwriter Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses. Released in early 2019, this album follows the acclaimed Beast Epic from 2017, showcasing a fresh dynamic that highlights both artists' strengths.
Stylistic neighbors: Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake· Fleet Foxes