2017–2019
Nicolas Jaar · 2020
51 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
A mesmerizing blend of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that transcend conventional dance music boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fantasy — Opening with ethereal vocals layered over intricate beats, this track encapsulates the album's experimental spirit while inviting listeners into Jaar's meditative world.
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If Loving You Is Wrong — This track employs a haunting vocal sample that is both nostalgic and immersive, illustrating Jaar's talent for blending emotional depth with electronic precision.
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With An Addict — Featuring a hypnotic rhythm intertwined with dissonant sounds, this piece exemplifies Jaar's ability to create tension and release within his compositions.
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Faith — The track builds gradually with layered instrumentation, demonstrating Jaar’s skill in crafting expansive auditory landscapes that evolve over time.
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You (Forever) — Closing the album on a reflective note, this track combines soothing melodies with minimalist beats, leaving listeners in a contemplative state.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate layering and ambient textures create a unique listening experience that rewards repeated plays.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build slowly, layering ambient sounds with rhythmic elements that gradually increase in complexity.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings and spoken word samples, creating a textured soundscape that invites deep listening.
- The album closes with a track that fades out slowly, leaving an extended silence before the next piece begins, emphasizing its contemplative nature.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- mesmerizing rhythmic pulses
- introspective late-night listening
- patient explorations of sound
- textures for focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time '2017–2019' was released, Nicolas Jaar was already recognized as a significant figure in electronic music, having previously established his reputation with albums like 'Space Is Only Noise' (2011). This release marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing an evolution towards more experimental soundscapes while also serving as a retrospective of his work during that period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Max Cooper· Bonobo· Four Tet
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If Loving You Is Wrong
The sporadic repetition of the phrase evokes a sense of longing and desperation amidst an atmospheric backdrop.
This structural choice creates an emotional crescendo that mirrors the intensity of the feelings conveyed, enhancing the overall impact of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Fantasy 5:12
- 2 If Loving You Is Wrong 3:56
- 3 With An Addict 7:05
Disc 2
- 1 If You Can’t Do It Good, Do It Hard 3:58
- 2 Alarm 1:52
- 3 Deeeeeeefers 5:50
- 4 Faith 7:00
Disc 3
- 1 Penny 6:41
- 2 You (Forever) 3:55
- 3 Vinyl‐Only Edit 6:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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