About Farewell
Alela Diane · 2013
33 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Alela Diane's tender vocals weave through delicate acoustic arrangements, creating a hauntingly intimate atmosphere throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Colorado Blue — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its vivid imagery of longing and nostalgia, encapsulating the album's overarching themes right from the start.
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About Farewell — This title track delves into the complexities of letting go, showcasing Diane's poignant lyricism and emotional delivery that resonates deeply with listeners.
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The Way We Fall — With its intricate guitar work and harmonies, this song beautifully illustrates vulnerability and acceptance, standing out as a highlight in both production and songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship, with a cohesive sound that rewards attentive listening.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation, including strings and piano.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies that often echo the lead melody, creating a rich texture without overwhelming the acoustic arrangements.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental outros, allowing the music to breathe and providing a contemplative space for listeners.
- 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
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
- intimate storytelling through melodies
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- gentle pacing for late-night listening
- emotional resonance with personal narratives
- short tracks for focused sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- About Farewell is Alela Diane's fourth studio album, released in 2013, following her critically acclaimed record, A Thousand Tiny Torches. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a significant voice in contemporary folk, blending personal storytelling with melodic intricacies. The album reflects her artistic maturation and commitment to exploring themes of loss and self-discovery.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Marling· Joanna Newsom· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Black Sheep
The moment shifts perspective as it directly addresses societal expectations versus personal identity.
This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by contrasting internal struggles against external pressures, highlighting Diane's commentary on individuality.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Colorado Blue 3:29
- 2 About Farewell 3:21
- 3 The Way We Fall 5:04
- 4 Nothing I Can Do 2:24
- 5 Lost Land 3:26
- 6 I Thought I Knew 2:08
- 7 Before the Leaving 2:56
- 8 Hazel Street 3:10
- 9 Black Sheep 3:53
- 10 Rose & Thorn 3:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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