A Color Map of the Sun
Pretty Lights · 2013
115 min · 26 tracks · electronic music
A vibrant fusion of electronic beats and organic instrumentation creates a rich, immersive soundscape that invites exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Around the Block — This track features an infectious groove and memorable vocal contributions from Talib Kweli, bridging hip-hop and electronic music seamlessly, embodying the album's collaborative spirit.
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Color of My Soul — Opening the album with a powerful blend of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms, this track sets the tone for the entire record's exploration of emotional depth through sound.
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So Bright — This track showcases Pretty Lights' characteristic style, combining uplifting melodies with complex layering that captures the essence of joy and introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's blend of live and electronic elements creates an immersive experience, though its cohesion is affected by interlude tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend electronic beats with live instrumentation, creating a dynamic soundscape.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental breaks, allowing for improvisation and exploration within the music.
- The latter part of the album includes multiple 'Reel' tracks that serve as interludes or transitions, contributing to a sense of continuity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- soulful samples evoke freedom
- for reflective afternoons
- engaging background for creative work
- wave-like builds and releases
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek concise standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 2, 2013, A Color Map of the Sun marks Pretty Lights' first album since 2010's Passing by Behind Your Eyes. This project represents a significant evolution in his sound, blending live instrumentation with electronic production techniques, showcasing his commitment to artistic growth and innovation at a pivotal moment in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gramatik· Odesza· Bassnectar
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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One Day They'll Know
The bridge shifts perspective to reflect on personal growth and future aspirations, connecting past struggles with hopeful visions.
This structural change enhances the narrative arc of the song, allowing listeners to experience a shift from reflection to anticipation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Color of My Soul 6:08
- 2 Press Pause 4:49
- 3 Let's Get Busy 3:52
- 4 Around the Block 4:13
- 5 Yellow Bird 5:39
- 6 Go Down Sunshine 5:05
- 7 So Bright 5:51
- 8 Vibe Vendetta 5:23
- 9 Done Wrong 6:35
- 10 Prophet 5:52
- 11 One Day They'll Know 6:59
- 12 Always All Ways 5:32
- 13 My Only Hope 4:56
Disc 2
- 1 Reel 15 Break 5 3:36
- 2 Reel 5 Break 3 3:37
- 3 Reel 9 Break 6 3:18
- 4 Reel 11 Break 2 2:56
- 5 Reel 6 Break 4 3:05
- 6 Reel 8 Break 2 4:05
- 7 Reel 18 Session 1 3:55
- 8 Reel 17 Break 4 3:06
- 9 Reel 4 Break 3 3:31
- 10 Reel 12 Break 2 3:34
- 11 Reel 6 Break 5 3:47
- 12 Reel 3 Break 3 3:00
- 13 Reel 7 Break 1 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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