Adrian Thaws
Tricky · 2014
38 min · 13 tracks · electronic music
A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics that redefine Tricky's trip-hop roots.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sun Down Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My Palestine Girl — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of cultural identity through layered vocals and rich instrumentation, encapsulating Tricky's introspective style.
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Gangster Chronicle — With its gritty lyrics and stark soundscape, this track reflects on urban life and survival, capturing the essence of Tricky's lyrical bravado and emotional depth.
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Lonnie Listen — This song exemplifies Tricky's ability to weave personal narrative with broader social commentary, anchored by a captivating melody that lingers long after listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric soundscapes with introspective lyrics, showcasing Tricky's evolving style.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build on layered, atmospheric soundscapes, while the second half introduces more rhythmic elements.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments and skits, creating a narrative flow that contrasts with the music.
- The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with some tracks lacking traditional verses or choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- steady pacing with quiet moments
- introspective listening in solitude
- haunting grooves for deep reflection
- short tracks for quick immersion
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party energy
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Represents a strong return after a long gap, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Adrian Thaws marks Tricky's first album in over five years, following the experimental release of Mixed Race in 2010. By this point in his career, he had transitioned from a pioneering figure in trip-hop to an artist exploring more eclectic sounds and personal narratives, showcasing his evolution while retaining his signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Massive Attack· Portishead· DJ Shadow
Tracklist
- 1 Sun Down Start here 3:40
- 2 Lonnie Listen 3:15
- 3 Something in the Way 3:24
- 4 Keep Me in Your Shake 3:27
- 5 The Unloved (skit) 1:09
- 6 Nicotine Love 3:06
- 7 Gangster Chronicle 2:59
- 8 I Had a Dream 2:38
- 9 My Palestine Girl 3:32
- 10 Why Don't You 3:32
- 11 Silly Games 3:36
- 12 Right Here 2:58
- 13 Silver Tongue - When You Go 0:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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