A Strange Arrangement
Mayer Hawthorne · 2009
34 min · 12 tracks · soul
A blend of vintage soul and modern production that feels both timeless and refreshingly unique.
Top tracks — play these first
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Just Ain't Gonna Work Out — This track showcases Hawthorne's smooth falsetto and skillful blending of classic Motown vibes with contemporary production, encapsulating the album's ethos.
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I Wish It Would Rain — A heartfelt cover that highlights Hawthorne's ability to reinterpret classic material while maintaining emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.
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A Strange Arrangement — The title track effectively combines lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics, establishing the thematic core of the album and showcasing Hawthorne's songwriting prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines vintage soul elements with modern production, showcasing strong songwriting and arrangement.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a short instrumental track that sets a mellow tone before transitioning into the first vocal piece.
- Tracks often feature lush horn arrangements and layered backing vocals, creating a rich soundscape characteristic of classic soul.
- Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out,' which shifts from a slow groove to a more upbeat feel midway through.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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
- warm melodies for joyful moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful vibes for gatherings
- lighthearted tunes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- seeking deep, introspective narratives
- prefer longer, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, A Strange Arrangement is Mayer Hawthorne's debut album, marking his entry into the music scene after gaining attention for his early work as a producer. At this point, he was establishing himself as a solo artist, leveraging his deep knowledge of classic soul while infusing contemporary elements into his sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anderson .Paak· Leon Bridges· Charles Bradley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Prelude 0:25
- 2 A Strange Arrangement 4:13
- 3 Just Ain't Gonna Work Out 2:29
- 4 Maybe So, Maybe No 2:56
- 5 Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' 3:00
- 6 I Wish It Would Rain 3:55
- 7 Make Her Mine 2:39
- 8 One Track Mind 2:02
- 9 The Ills 2:48
- 10 Shiny & New 2:56
- 11 Let Me Know 3:00
- 12 Green Eyed Love 3:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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