Actor
St. Vincent · 2009
39 min · 11 tracks · indie pop
Ethereal textures weave through intricate melodies, creating a surreal soundscape that balances whimsy and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Strangers — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, encapsulating themes of longing and identity.
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Actor Out of Work — This song cleverly critiques the performances we put on in everyday life, utilizing playful yet poignant lyrics that highlight St. Vincent's sharp songwriting.
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Laughing With a Mouth of Blood — A standout track that juxtaposes dark imagery with an upbeat arrangement, illustrating St. Vincent's ability to blend contrasting emotions seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate melodies and bold production create a unique listening experience that rewards repeat plays.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, which challenge typical pop forms.
- The use of dissonant harmonies and ethereal instrumentation creates a surreal soundscape that often contrasts with the lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective storytelling with depth
- steady mid-tempo exploration
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to absorb
- reflective moments for quiet thinking
- narrative arcs that invite engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles and hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- St. Vincent's 'Actor' is her second album, following her 2007 self-titled debut. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from the collaborative project with Sufjan Stevens to establishing a distinctive solo identity, showcasing her unique blend of art rock and avant-garde pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bat for Lashes· Grimes· Fiona Apple
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Neighbors
A shift in perspective occurs when the narrative voice transitions from external observations to intimate revelations about personal feelings.
This change deepens the emotional impact by contrasting the outward gaze with inner vulnerability, showcasing St. Vincent's skillful storytelling.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Strangers 4:04
- 2 Save Me From What I Want 3:35
- 3 The Neighbors 3:30
- 4 Actor Out of Work 2:15
- 5 Black Rainbow 4:11
- 6 The Sequel 1:53
- 7 Laughing With a Mouth of Blood 3:01
- 8 Marrow 3:24
- 9 The Bed 3:43
- 10 The Party 4:05
- 11 Just the Same but Brand New 5:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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