A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart
Bill Ryder-Jones · 2013
48 min · 11 tracks
Introspective melodies intertwine with haunting lyrics, creating a landscape of emotional vulnerability and reflective melancholy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hanging Song — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its delicate instrumentation and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the themes of longing and reflection that permeate the record.
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There's a World Between Us — This track features poignant storytelling and showcases Ryder-Jones' lyrical prowess, illustrating the complexities of relationships through vivid imagery and melancholy tones.
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Christina That's the Saddest Thing — A standout moment on the album, this song combines haunting melodies with emotionally charged lyrics, highlighting Ryder-Jones' skill at blending sadness with beauty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's introspective nature and thematic continuity create a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a slow, contemplative pace with minimal instrumentation, gradually introducing more layers in subsequent songs.
- The final track revisits elements from earlier songs, providing a reflective conclusion that ties back to the opening pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- melancholic reflections on life
- haunting atmospheric soundscapes
- intimate late-night listening
- patient unfolding of emotions
- cathartic moments of vulnerability
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, energetic tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2013, A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart marked Bill Ryder-Jones' first solo album after leaving The Coral. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a successful band member to an artist establishing his own voice, having previously contributed significantly to The Coral's sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Coral· Ben Howard· Midlake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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By Morning I
The verse shifts in perspective, revealing a sudden clarity about past mistakes while maintaining a tender vulnerability.
This structural choice deepens the emotional impact, as it contrasts earlier ambiguity with newfound honesty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hanging Song 4:00
- 2 There's a World Between Us 4:34
- 3 A Bad Wind 2:21
- 4 By Morning I 3:35
- 5 The Lemon Tree #3 4:17
- 6 Anthony & Owen 5:51
- 7 Wild Swans 4:29
- 8 Christina That's the Saddest Thing 4:03
- 9 You're Getting Like Your Sister 5:33
- 10 He Took You in His Arms 3:58
- 11 A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart, Part 2 5:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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