Album Review: Sylvia Tyson, At The End Of The Day

With each passing year, icons from Toronto's Yorkville folk circuit of the '60s are treasured. The passing of Gordon Lightfoot earlier this year and Ian Tyson late in 2022 marked the end of both of their illustrious careers. Now, Sylvia Tyson, half of Ian & Sylvia and 83 years young, is closing a chapter with At The End Of The Day, her final studio album. And it's a fitting coda to an incredible body of work if the mandolin-laced gem "I Never Got Over You" and bright "Long Chain Of Love" are measuring sticks.

From the slightly 50's doo-wop feel of "Sweet Agony," Tyson doesn't embarrass herself on the dozen offerings here. The genteel vibe to "Leaves In The Storm" shines while the delightfully ramshackle "Now Tell Me That You've Got The Blues" is a sweet change of pace.

Reflection is a common theme throughout the record but Tyson does it perfectly on songs like "Generous Heart" and the waltz-y "Cynical Little Love Song," the latter discussing love dying while the world goes on "unimpressed." The poignant title track and album for that matter is proof Tyson hasn't lost any of the quality that was first discovered back in Yorkville.

At The End Of The Day was released November 3, 2023 on Stony Plain Records.
Listen to it here.