Angus & Julia Stone cover

Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone · 2014

71 min · 16 tracks · folk music

A melodic blend of folk and indie pop, rich with intimate harmonies and reflective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Heartbreak Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Heart Beats Slow — This track features a captivating duet that showcases the seamless vocal synergy between Angus and Julia, embodying the album’s emotional core.
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    Grizzly Bear — With its evocative imagery and poignant storytelling, this song highlights the duo's lyrical depth while maintaining an infectious melody.
  • →
    My Word for It — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and haunting arrangement, creating an atmospheric moment that encapsulates the album's reflective tone.
  • →
    Get Home — An emotionally resonant song that combines gentle instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics, making it a perfect representation of their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar folk-pop territory.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Harmonies between Angus and Julia Stone are prominent, often intertwining in call-and-response patterns throughout several tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a rich soundscape before stripping back to minimal arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • soothing harmonies for quiet moments
  • poignant narratives that resonate deeply
  • reflective listening during late nights
  • tender melodies for introspective moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer fast-paced, instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked their return with commercial success and wider recognition.
Themes
intimate harmonies· evocative storytelling· reflective nostalgia
Career context
When Angus & Julia Stone released their self-titled album in 2014, they had already established themselves with multiple successful records. This album followed their critically acclaimed release 'Down the Way' (2010) and marked a return to their roots, featuring a more stripped-back sound that emphasized their vocal interplay.
Stylistic neighbors
The Paper Kites· First Aid Kit· Ben Howard
New to Angus & Julia Stone? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Heart Beats Slow

    The bridge introduces a sudden shift in tempo and intensity, emphasizing a moment of vulnerability in the narrative.

    This structural change deepens the emotional impact of the lyrics, contrasting the previously serene atmosphere with a surge of feeling.

Tracklist

  • 1 A Heartbreak Start here 4:16
  • 2 My Word for It 4:08
  • 3 Grizzly Bear 4:08
  • 4 Heart Beats Slow 4:35
  • 5 Wherever You Are 3:41
  • 6 Get Home 4:31
  • 7 Death Defying Acts 5:13
  • 8 Little Whiskey 3:36
  • 9 From the Stalls 5:09
  • 10 Other Things 2:59
  • 11 Please You 5:40
  • 12 Main Street 5:35
  • 13 Crash + Burn 6:36
  • 14 Do Without 4:15
  • 15 All This Love 4:05
  • 16 Roses 3:29

What to play next

Snow
Listen next

Snow

2017

Continues the melodic folk-pop sound with deeper explorations of themes.
Down the Way
Go back to

Down the Way

2010

Precedes with similar intimate harmonies and reflective lyrics.
Full Angus & Julia Stone discography Where to start with Angus & Julia Stone Artists like Angus & Julia Stone
indie pop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Barton Hollow

Barton Hollow

The Civil Wars

Features haunting harmonies and storytelling with a stripped-back acoustic approach.

Carrie & Lowell

Carrie & Lowell

Sufjan Stevens

Combines reflective lyrics with intimate arrangements, creating a personal and nostalgic atmosphere.

Stay Gold

Stay Gold

First Aid Kit

Delivers rich vocal harmonies and evocative themes rooted in folk traditions and emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata