"10 songs for the new depression" is a simple vocal and acoustic performance album composed of original songs as well as two cover versions of songs from the great depression. the album is approximately thirty minutes in length and contains lyrical references to economist alan greenspan, nobel prize-winning economist and "the new york times" columnist paul krugman, and president barack obama. while wainwright's previous studio album "" (2009) contains more than twenty musicians and singers, "the guardian" contributor robin denselow described "10 songs" as featuring a "pared-down, diy set, in keeping with the mood of the new songs".