A Badly Broken Code
Dessa · 2010
47 min · 15 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A dynamic blend of poetic lyricism and eclectic instrumentation that marries hip-hop with folk sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Poor Atlas — This brief but impactful track encapsulates the album's themes of existential struggle and showcases Dessa's engaging storytelling style through vivid imagery.
-
→
Matches to Paper Dolls — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song highlights the emotional core of the album, focusing on themes of identity and vulnerability.
-
→
Dixon’s Girl — This track stands out for its narrative structure, offering a glimpse into complex relationships while maintaining a catchy rhythm that complements the lyrical content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dessa's debut solo effort showcases strong writing and production but lacks some cohesion in its diverse sound.
What we noticed
- The use of live instrumentation alongside electronic elements creates a textured sound that varies significantly from track to track.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- thoughtful reflections on personal struggles
- melodic hooks for introspective moments
- short tracks for focused listening
- emotional depth in concise storytelling
- for quiet evening contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2010, A Badly Broken Code was Dessa's first full-length solo album after her work with the Doomtree collective. This release followed her well-received EP, which established her as a prominent voice in alternative hip-hop, showcasing her lyrical depth and unique vocal style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Go Home
The narrative voice confronts feelings of displacement and longing for connection is striking.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Children’s Work 3:11
- 2 Poor Atlas 1:38
- 3 The Crow 3:37
- 4 Dixon’s Girl 2:43
- 5 Mineshaft II 3:40
- 6 The Chaconne 4:41
- 7 Matches to Paper Dolls 3:31
- 8 Go Home 3:32
- 9 Seamstress 3:58
- 10 Dutch 3:20
- 11 The Bullpen 2:35
- 12 Momento Mori 2:18
- 13 Crew 2:55
- 14 Alibi 3:03
- 15 Into the Spin 2:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.