Released 10 years ago
Young in All The Wrong Ways
Sara Watkins · 2016
41 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A blend of introspective folk and bluegrass, layered with heartfelt storytelling and intricate instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Young in All the Wrong Ways — The title track sets the tone for the album with its exploration of youthful missteps and emotional honesty, encapsulating Watkins' artistic journey.
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Move Me — This song showcases Watkins' ability to blend haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about longing and connection, highlighting her vocal prowess.
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The Truth Won’t Set Us Free — With its reflective lyrics on honesty and vulnerability, this track stands out as a centerpiece of the album's themes of self-discovery and personal growth.
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Invisible — This track delves into feelings of isolation and invisibility, featuring lush instrumentation that complements the introspective nature of the lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, with a cohesive flow that invites reflection.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a steady tempo with layered instrumentation, while the second track shifts to a more upbeat rhythm.
- Several tracks feature intricate harmonies and call-and-response vocals, particularly in 'Move Me' and 'Say So'.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective finish with 'Tenderhearted'.
- 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 with warmth
- introspective moments of reflection
- gentle pacing for late evenings
- emotional resonance in quiet spaces
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, energetic tracks
- want heavy production value
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2016, 'Young in All The Wrong Ways' is Sara Watkins' first solo album in nearly six years, following her 2010 self-titled release. At this point in her career, Watkins was establishing herself as a solo artist after her tenure with Nickel Creek and the Watkins Family Hour, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aoife O'Donovan· Nickel Creek· The Civil Wars
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Truth Won’t Set Us Free
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative confronts uncomfortable truths directly, shifting from ambiguity to stark clarity.
This direct confrontation adds weight to the song's message about authenticity, making it a crucial thematic anchor for the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Young in All the Wrong Ways 4:18
- 2 The Love That Got Away 3:16
- 3 One Last Time 3:08
- 4 Move Me 5:46
- 5 Like New Year’s Day 4:55
- 6 Say So 4:08
- 7 Without a Word 3:58
- 8 The Truth Won’t Set Us Free 3:32
- 9 Invisible 5:20
- 10 Tenderhearted 2:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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