What makes A New Testament by Christopher Owens notable?

This album received a generally positive reception from critics, with notable mentions in publications such as Pitchfork and The Guardian, highlighting its heartfelt sincerity. It marked a significant step in Owens' evolution as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to craft intimate narratives that resonate deeply with listeners. Released on September 30, 2014, A New Testament is Christopher Owens' second solo album, following his departure from the band Girls. At this point, Owens was transitioning into a solo artist known for his emotive songwriting, having previously gained recognition for his work in the indie rock scene.

How many songs are on A New Testament?

A New Testament has 12 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

A New Testament

Christopher Owens · 2014

33 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A tender exploration of love and loss, wrapped in delicate melodies and introspective lyrics that linger like fading memories.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Oh My Love — The track features an ethereal vocal delivery layered over a gentle guitar progression, encapsulating the feeling of yearning and emotional vulnerability. Its poignant lyrics convey a sense of longing that exemplifies the album's thematic depth.
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It Comes Back to You — This song stands out due to its reflective nature, where Owens contemplates the cyclical nature of love and heartbreak. The rich instrumentation enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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Never Wanna See That Look Again — With its catchy melody and relatable narrative about heartbreak, this track showcases Owens' knack for blending pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism. It captures a moment of raw honesty that resonates throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and emotional delivery but lacks standout moments that elevate it further.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The last two tracks employ a stripped-back arrangement, focusing on piano and vocals, which creates an intimate atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 My Troubled Heart 2:04
2 Nothing More Than Everything to Me 2:10
3 It Comes Back to You 4:27
4 Stephen 2:39
5 Oh My Love 3:38
6 Nobody's Business 1:57
7 A Heart Akin the Wind 2:25
8 Key to My Heart 1:54
9 Over and Above Myself 2:19
10 Never Wanna See That Look Again 2:10
11 Overcoming Me 4:04
12 I Just Can't Live Without You (But I'm Still Alive) 3:48

What to play next

Listen next

Chrissybaby Forever

2015

Go back to

Lysandre

2013

Full Christopher Owens discography Artists like Christopher Owens

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata