Glory Fountain - The Beauty of 23 (2021)

"The Beauty of 23" (1997) is the second full-length album by the American indie folk/alt-country band Glory Fountain, founded in North Carolina by singer-songwriter Tara McLean and guitarist Ned Oldham.

The album's music is in the spirit of the intimate, unhurried, and minimalist indie folk of the 1990s (in the vein of Palace Music, Smog, Low, and Cowboy Junkies). The sound relies on soft acoustic guitar accompaniment, occasional touches of electric guitar and percussion, and heartfelt duet and solo vocals.

"The Beauty of 23" is characterized by an intimate, sincere, and slightly melancholy mood. The songs are built around profound lyrical themes, reflecting on growing up, relationships, and small-town life. Restrained, semi-acoustic arrangements and raw live recordings highlight the band's emotional openness and natural sound.