Aliens Alive
Annbjørg Lien · 2002
70 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music
A vibrant fusion of traditional Norwegian folk melodies and contemporary instrumentation, evoking a sense of both earthiness and otherworldliness.
Top tracks — play these first
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Origins — This expansive track captures the essence of the album, combining intricate instrumental layers with Lien's emotive playing, reflecting cultural heritage and innovation.
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Loki — Loki stands out for its playful yet haunting melody, showcasing Lien's ability to weave storytelling into her music through dynamic shifts in mood.
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Aliens Alive — The title track serves as the album's centerpiece, blending ethereal soundscapes with traditional elements, embodying the album's themes of exploration and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and modern sounds effectively, showcasing strong musicianship and unique compositions.
What we noticed
- The album features a prominent use of the hardingfele, with intricate melodies that intertwine with modern instrumentation throughout.
- The sequencing includes both upbeat dance tunes and slower, reflective pieces, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood across the record.
- 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
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2002, Aliens Alive is Annbjørg Lien's third studio album, following her acclaimed work in the late 1990s. At this point in her career, Lien had already established herself as a prominent figure in the Norwegian folk scene, known for her innovative approach to traditional music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hanne Hukkelberg· Sofia Jannok· Rhiannon Giddens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Rose 5:11
- 2 Loki 5:35
- 3 Origins 14:35
- 4 The Water Lily 5:13
- 5 Morning Mood 0:31
- 6 Knepphalling 4:13
- 7 Larry Goes Log-Driving 5:30
- 8 Luseblus 5:02
- 9 Astra 5:12
- 10 Inoque 4:40
- 11 Aliens Alive 9:58
- 12 Fykerud’s Farewell to America 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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