Apricot Princess cover

Apricot Princess

Rex Orange County · 2017

39 min · 10 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of heartfelt melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush, jazzy instrumentation and upbeat grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Apricot Princess — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its playful yet poignant lyrics about love and longing, setting the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Television / So Far So Good — This track uniquely blends self-reflection with catchy hooks, illustrating Rex's ability to merge vulnerability with an infectious rhythm that resonates widely.
  • →
    Never Enough — With its introspective lyrics and rich arrangements, this song highlights themes of desire and fulfillment, showcasing Rex’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth.

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 blends heartfelt melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craft and composition.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocals and a prominent horn section, setting a vibrant tone.
  • Tracks often shift between upbeat grooves and more introspective moments, with several songs incorporating jazzy chord progressions.
  • The lyrics frequently explore themes of love and self-reflection, delivered in a conversational style that invites listener engagement.
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

  • whimsical melodies for daydreaming
  • steady flow for relaxed listening
  • introspective lyrics during solitude
  • catchy tunes for lighthearted moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense musical dynamics
  • prefer immediate, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 26, 2017, 'Apricot Princess' is Rex Orange County's debut studio album following his breakout EP 'bcos u will never be free'. At this point, he had gained attention for his collaborations with artists like Tyler, the Creator, contributing to a rising profile in the indie pop scene. This album marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his unique sound and emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Gus Dapperton· Ruel

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Happiness

    The verse shifts from discussing past struggles to a hopeful affirmation of self-worth and personal growth.

    This transition emphasizes a journey from vulnerability to empowerment, marking a significant thematic evolution within the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Apricot Princess 3:58
  • 2 Television / So Far So Good 4:22
  • 3 Nothing 4:53
  • 4 Sycamore Girl 4:40
  • 5 Untitled 2:15
  • 6 4 Seasons 5:01
  • 7 Waiting Room 4:00
  • 8 Rain Man 0:44
  • 9 Never Enough 4:58
  • 10 Happiness 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata