Queen of the Minor Key

The album title references one of the two main key modes found in most Western popular music. Cultural traditions in such music often see use of major key compositions during celebrations and generally happy events, while minor key compositions are associated with funerals, sadness, and darkness.^[7] Before performing a show in Boston, Jewell was introduced to patrons by a fellow musician who, remarking on her penchant for writing songs in minor key, dubbed her "The Queen of the Minor Key".^[8] In a 2018 interview, Jewell declared her affinity, saying "I love the spookiness of the minor key. It has a way of drawing me in every time. I don’t know what it is about it…something about dropping that third a half step. Somehow, to my ear, it sounds heavier than the major key, more mysterious and yet more down to earth at the same time."^[9] The album's title cut has the singer's mother being told about her expected daughter, "Instead of riches and finery/She'll have a wealth of sad songs and whiskey" and live to become the queen of the minor key.^[10][11]

Jewell spent time living in a remote cabin without electricity or running water in her native Idaho to write the lyrics for Queen of the Minor Key.^[10] She also wrote songs for guest vocalists, which she hadn't done for her previous albums, including writing "Over Again" for Zoe Muth and "Long Road" for rockabilly bandleader Big Sandy.^[12]

All songs by Eilen Jewell.^[2][13]

1. Radio City - 1:36
2. I Remember You - 3:51
3. Queen of the Minor Key - 2:03
4. That's Where I'm Going - 2:14
5. Santa Fe - 4:32
6. Warning Signs - 2:32
7. Reckless - 2:07
8. Over Again - 4:02
9. Bang Bang Bang - 1:45
10. Hooked - 2:26
11. Only One - 3:45
12. Long Road - 2:51
13. Home to Me - 2:55
14. Kalimotxo - 1:19

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.^[2]