What makes Aquaria by Boots notable?

Aquaria received critical acclaim for its innovative production and lyrical depth, solidifying Boots' reputation as a forward-thinking artist in the alternative R&B scene. The album's standout single, C.U.R.E., gained attention for its poignant commentary on mental health issues and garnered features in various music publications, further amplifying its cultural impact. Released in 2015, Aquaria is Boots' debut studio album following a series of notable collaborations with artists like Beyoncé. At this time, Boots was transitioning from a producer and songwriter role to establishing his own artistic identity. The album marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his unique sound and vision.

How many songs are on Aquaria?

Aquaria has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Aquaria

Boots · 2015

38 min · 11 tracks · alternative R&B

An ethereal blend of alternative R&B and electronic textures, layered with introspective lyrics and soulful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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C.U.R.E. — This track stands out for its haunting production and deep exploration of mental health struggles, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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AQUARIA — As the titular track, AQUARIA showcases Boots' atmospheric soundscapes and serves as a centerpiece that reflects the broader themes of the album.
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Brooklyn Gamma — The opener sets the tone with its pulsating beats and layered vocals, introducing listeners to the sonic landscape of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Aquaria showcases innovative production and distinct transitions, marking Boots' strong debut in alternative R&B.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow build, layering ambient sounds and vocals that gradually increase in complexity over the first three tracks.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, such as 'AQUARIA,' which shifts from a minimalist verse to a dense, layered chorus.
The use of silence is prominent; tracks like 'Gallows' incorporate pauses that create tension before the next musical phrase.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Brooklyn Gamma 3:20
2 C.U.R.E. 2:56
3 Oraclies 3:55
4 Bombs Away 3:26
5 I Run Roulette 3:50
6 Gallows 1:41
7 AQUARIA 5:00
8 Earthquake 3:01
9 Only 4:16
10 Dead Come Running 4:10
11 Still 2:57

What to play next

Listen next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata