Anuraaqtuq cover

Anuraaqtuq

Tagaq · 2011

56 min · 5 tracks · folk music

A visceral blend of throat singing and avant-garde composition that immerses the listener in the Arctic landscape's raw beauty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Snarl — The opening track sets a powerful tone with Tagaq's dynamic vocalizations, creating an intense atmosphere that embodies the album's thematic exploration of nature.
  • →
    Plush — This expansive piece showcases Tagaq's ability to manipulate sound textures and rhythms, demonstrating her mastery over vocal techniques while immersing listeners in a dreamlike state.
  • →
    Tatkik — In this track, Tagaq intertwines traditional throat singing with contemporary elements, highlighting her unique artistic vision and commitment to cultural storytelling through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Anuraaqtuq showcases innovative compositions and unique soundscapes that reflect Tagaq's cultural roots.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that features aggressive throat singing layered over minimalist instrumentation, setting a confrontational tone.
  • Each track varies significantly in tempo and intensity, with some pieces building to chaotic crescendos while others maintain a more subdued atmosphere.
  • The final track incorporates field recordings of natural sounds, creating an immersive experience that contrasts with the vocal-driven pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • wave-like dynamic listening experience
  • haunting soundscapes for introspection
  • long tracks for deep immersion
  • emotional peaks and valleys
  • captivating journey of discovery

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 25, 2011, Anuraaqtuq is Tanya Tagaq's third studio album, following her acclaimed record Sinaa. At this point in her career, Tagaq had established herself as a pivotal figure in contemporary Inuit music, blending traditional throat singing with modern influences and experimental sounds.
Stylistic neighbors
Björk· Lisa Gerrard· Dead Can Dance

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Snarl 10:55
  • 2 Plush 17:40
  • 3 Savik 6:20
  • 4 Plume 12:12
  • 5 Tatkik 8:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata