What makes Arca by Arca notable?

Arca received critical acclaim upon release, featuring prominently on year-end lists and solidifying the artist's reputation within the avant-garde music scene. The album's bold approach to identity and sexuality also sparked discussions about representation in contemporary music, influencing a wave of experimental pop artists. Released in 2017, Arca marks the artist's self-titled third album after a series of influential collaborations with artists like FKA twigs and Kanye West. This album represents a significant moment in Arca's career as it showcases a deeper personal exploration following their earlier works, notably 'Xen' and 'Mutant'.

Arca works well if you're into steady pacing with reflective moments, intimate confessions and surreal sounds and consistent flow for focused listening.

How many songs are on Arca?

Arca has 13 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Arca

Arca · 2017

43 min · 13 tracks · experimental music

A visceral blend of experimental textures and intimate vocals that challenge conventional pop structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Piel — Opening with haunting melodies, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of vulnerability and desire through delicate yet powerful production.
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Anoche — The song features a captivating blend of rhythmic shifts and introspective lyrics, showcasing Arca's unique ability to merge emotional depth with avant-garde sounds.
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Urchin — This track stands out for its dynamic contrasts, weaving between moments of chaos and serenity, reflecting the thematic complexity of the entire album.
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Castration — With its provocative title and experimental soundscape, this track challenges societal norms surrounding gender and identity, making it a pivotal piece in Arca's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Arca's self-titled album blends experimental sounds with personal themes, showcasing unique structures and bold production choices.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered, distorted vocals over sparse electronic textures, setting an experimental tone.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics, often transitioning from intimate vocal moments to chaotic soundscapes.
The final track is notably quieter and more subdued compared to the preceding pieces, creating a sense of resolution.

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: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady pacing with reflective moments
intimate confessions and surreal sounds
consistent flow for focused listening
emotional exploration through avant-garde
thoughtful engagement during quiet times

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Features a bold departure from previous works, challenging pop structures.
Career context: Released in 2017, Arca marks the artist's self-titled third album after a series of influential collaborations with artists like FKA twigs and Kanye West. This album represents a significant moment in Arca's career as it showcases a deeper personal exploration following their earlier works, notably 'Xen' and 'Mutant'.
Stylistic neighbors: FKA twigs· Sophie· Shygirl