Hymns for the Exiled

Released on September 21, 2004, Hymns for the Exiled is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell. The album was released on Waterbug Records, a label known for supporting independent folk artists. The recording took place at The Gristmill, a studio located in Bristol, Vermont, which contributed to the record's organic, dry, and intimate acoustic atmosphere. The album was produced by Michael Chorney, whose subtle arrangements of acoustic guitar, upright bass, and occasional strings or accordion frame Mitchell's distinctive high-register vocals without crowding them. Lyrically, the album represents a significant step forward in Mitchell's career, showcasing her ability to weave political commentary, literary references, and personal storytelling. Tracks like '1984' and 'One Good Thing' directly address the cultural and political anxieties of the post-9/11 United States, establishing the intellectual and poetic foundation that would later define her career-defining work, Hadestown.