Released 7 years ago this October
2020
Richard Dawson · 2019
57 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A haunting blend of folk storytelling and experimental soundscapes that captures the unease of contemporary life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Civil Servant — This opening track sets the tone with its stark narrative on bureaucracy, showcasing Dawson's ability to weave personal stories into broader social commentary.
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Heart Emoji — In this track, Dawson cleverly critiques modern communication through the juxtaposition of heartfelt lyrics and playful melodies, making it an insightful reflection on digital intimacy.
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Dead Dog in an Alleyway — This closing track encapsulates the album's themes of mortality and despair with a raw emotional punch, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative structures and themes create a distinctive and compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word section that sets a tone of unease, followed by layered instrumentation that builds complexity.
- Tracks often feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as moving from quiet, introspective verses to loud, chaotic choruses.
- Several songs incorporate unconventional structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus forms in favor of narrative-driven progressions.
- 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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9/10
- 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
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
- haunting narratives of modern life
- patient explorations of unease
- immersive storytelling through soundscapes
- reflective moments for deep thinking
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Richard Dawson released '2020', he was already established as a unique voice in British folk music, following his critically acclaimed album 'Peasant' from 2017. This release further solidified his reputation for blending traditional elements with avant-garde experimentation, marking a continued evolution in his artistic approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sharon Van Etten· Sufjan Stevens· Bill Callahan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Civil Servant 6:40
- 2 The Queen's Head 5:17
- 3 Two Halves 5:11
- 4 Jogging 6:38
- 5 Heart Emoji 4:34
- 6 Black Triangle 7:59
- 7 Fulfilment Centre 10:07
- 8 Fresher's Ball 5:02
- 9 No-One 0:50
- 10 Dead Dog in an Alleyway 5:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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