About this album
Where they were
When 'You Are Free' was released in 2003, Cat Power was experiencing a pivotal moment following the critical success of her previous album, 'The Covers Record' (2000). This album marked her first set of original songs in four years, indicating a return to form after personal struggles and a hiatus from songwriting. The album showed her artistic evolution as she began to embrace a more polished sound while retaining her trademark emotional honesty.
Why it matters
'You Are Free' received widespread critical acclaim, cementing Cat Power's reputation as a significant figure in indie rock. The track 'Good Woman' was particularly noted for its poignant exploration of vulnerability and has been covered by various artists, further illustrating the album's impact on contemporary music.
Essential tracks
- "Good Woman" — This track captures the essence of emotional vulnerability with its haunting piano and raw vocal delivery, making it a standout piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
- "Free" — 'Free' serves as an anthem of liberation, combining reflective lyrics with an uplifting melody that encapsulates the album's central themes of self-discovery and resilience.
- "He War" — With its stark instrumentation and powerful lyrics addressing conflict, 'He War' exemplifies Cat Power's ability to fuse personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Release Date
February 18, 2003
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 I Don’t Blame You 3:05
- 2 Free 3:33
- 3 Good Woman 3:56
- 4 Speak for Me 3:00
- 5 Werewolf 4:05
- 6 Fool 3:47
- 7 He War 3:29
- 8 Shaking Paper 4:27
- 9 Babydoll 3:05
- 10 Maybe Not 4:16
- 11 Names 4:50
- 12 Half of You 2:39
- 13 Keep On Runnin’ 3:49
- 14 Evolution 4:46
