What makes 2012–2017 by Nicolas Jaar notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, with publications like Pitchfork praising its intricate soundscapes and emotional depth. It reflects Jaar's significant impact on the electronic music scene, influencing a generation of artists seeking to blend genres and challenge traditional structures. When Nicolas Jaar released 2012–2017 in 2018, he was transitioning from his acclaimed debut album, Space Is Only Noise (2016), to a more experimental phase. This compilation reflects his evolution as an artist, showcasing a mix of previously unreleased tracks and remixes that highlight his innovative approach to electronic music.

Who is 2012–2017 for?

2012–2017 works well if you're into immersive soundscapes for deep focus, patient exploration of emotional nuances and rhythmic pulses for reflective moments.

How many songs are on 2012–2017?

2012–2017 has 11 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

2012–2017

Nicolas Jaar · 2018

66 min · 11 tracks · electronic music

An immersive blend of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that echoes the complexities of modern existence.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Old House Is All I Have — Opening with haunting melodies, this track encapsulates Jaar's ability to create intimate atmospheres, setting the emotional tone for the entire album.
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I Never Dream — With its intricate layering and hypnotic beat, this track exemplifies Jaar's mastery of rhythm and texture, pulling listeners into a captivating auditory experience.
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You Are Going to Love Me and Scream — This piece stands out for its dynamic shifts and emotive crescendos, showcasing Jaar’s skill in building tension and release within his compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and gradual evolution showcase Jaar's distinctive approach to electronic music.

What we noticed

The album features long tracks that often evolve gradually, with layers of sound building over time rather than abrupt changes.
Several tracks utilize minimalistic percussion that complements the ambient textures, creating a sense of space and depth.
The sequencing includes moments of silence or sparse instrumentation that allow for reflection between more densely layered sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive soundscapes for deep focus
patient exploration of emotional nuances
rhythmic pulses for reflective moments
subtle layers revealing with attention

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, upbeat tracks
prefer straightforward, catchy melodies

Where this album fits

Career context: When Nicolas Jaar released 2012–2017 in 2018, he was transitioning from his acclaimed debut album, Space Is Only Noise (2016), to a more experimental phase. This compilation reflects his evolution as an artist, showcasing a mix of previously unreleased tracks and remixes that highlight his innovative approach to electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors: Max Cooper· Bonobo· Four Tet