A Pillar of Salt
Noah Gundersen · 2021
46 min · 11 tracks · acoustic music
Intimate acoustic melodies intertwine with contemplative lyrics, creating a reflective and emotionally charged atmosphere throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Laurel and Hardy — Opening the album, this track sets a poignant tone with its delicate instrumentation and lyrical reflection on companionship and nostalgia.
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Atlantis — This song embodies the album’s thematic core, merging haunting melodies with evocative imagery that speaks to loss and longing.
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Sleepless in Seattle — With its relatable narrative about yearning and connection, this track highlights Gundersen's ability to weave storytelling into his music seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intimate melodies and layered production, offering depth in both composition and execution.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns, while the second half introduces more layered instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal arrangement, enhancing the intimate feel of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a gradual decrescendo, where the last track fades out on a single sustained note, creating a sense of resolution.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate acoustic reflections
- thoughtful lyric-driven narratives
- quiet moments of contemplation
- evening listening with warmth
- emotional resonance in each track
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Noah Gundersen released A Pillar of Salt in 2021, he had established himself as a respected singer-songwriter, following his 2019 album Lover. This release marked a continued exploration of personal themes and sonic experimentation, building on his previous work while showcasing his evolving artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Ben Howard· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Laurel and Hardy 4:23
- 2 Body 3:37
- 3 The Coast 4:37
- 4 Exit Signs 4:01
- 5 Atlantis 5:19
- 6 Magic Trick 4:01
- 7 Blankets 3:52
- 8 Bright Lost Things 5:15
- 9 Sleepless in Seattle 4:00
- 10 Back to Me 3:33
- 11 Always There 3:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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