Top tracks — play these first
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Doesn't It Feel Good — Opening with an uplifting melody, this track sets the tone for the entire album, exploring themes of joy and positive transformation. Its vibrant instrumentation captures the essence of rejuvenation.
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Skeleton — This song features poignant lyrics that address vulnerability and self-acceptance, using skeletal imagery to convey emotional honesty. The introspective nature makes it a standout reflection of personal struggles.
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Shine — With its hopeful message and catchy chorus, this track emphasizes resilience and embracing one's true self. It exemplifies Loeb's knack for crafting engaging pop-folk tunes that inspire listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features well-crafted melodies and thoughtful lyrics, with a cohesive flow that rewards repeat listens.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more contemplative tone with slower instrumentation.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The final two tracks shift to a more uplifting sound, incorporating brighter melodies and a faster tempo, 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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6/10
- 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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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
- warm melodies for reflective moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- uplifting themes of resilience
- easy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, more complex albums
- seek intense emotional experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- A Simple Trick to Happiness is Lisa Loeb's first studio album in over five years, following her 2015 release, Lullaby Girl. At this point in her career, she was transitioning back into the music scene after focusing on children's music and television projects. This album marks a return to her singer-songwriter roots, showcasing her growth as an artist and individual.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Natalie Merchant· Norah Jones· Jewel
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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For the Birch
The narrative shifts from external observations to intimate reflections about growth amidst change.
This pivot emphasizes a deeper connection to nature as a metaphor for personal evolution, enhancing the overall thematic richness of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Doesn't It Feel Good 3:38
- 2 Skeleton 3:08
- 3 Another Day 3:28
- 4 This Is My Life 3:02
- 5 For the Birch 3:24
- 6 Most of All 3:26
- 7 Shine 3:14
- 8 Sing Out 3:24
- 9 I Wanna Go First 2:41
- 10 The Upside 3:16
- 11 Wonder 1:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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