Aromanticism
Moses Sumney · 2017
34 min · 11 tracks
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting exploration of love and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Plastic — This track showcases Sumney's ability to blend intricate melodies with poignant social commentary on superficiality and emotional disconnection, making it emblematic of the album's themes.
-
→
Doomed — With its lush instrumentation and powerful vocal delivery, this song encapsulates the album’s melancholic tone while addressing existential themes, striking a deep emotional chord.
-
→
Lonely World — This track stands out due to its vivid lyrical imagery paired with an atmospheric arrangement, effectively conveying feelings of isolation and longing that permeate the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Aromanticism showcases unique songwriting and soundscapes, making it a standout debut in contemporary R&B.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word piece that sets a contemplative tone, followed by tracks that blend intricate vocal harmonies with sparse instrumentation.
- Several songs feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as transitioning from soft, intimate verses to powerful choruses, creating emotional peaks.
- The lyrics often explore themes of identity and detachment, with recurring motifs that tie the tracks together, enhancing the album's thematic cohesion.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- ethereal vocals for introspective moments
- exploration of emotional detachment
- short tracks for focused listening
- subtle tension in quiet spaces
- poignant themes of isolation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Aromanticism is Moses Sumney's debut studio album, released after his acclaimed EPs that established him as a unique voice in contemporary R&B. By this point, he had gained significant attention for his genre-blurring artistry, setting the stage for this full-length project.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Blake· Sufjan Stevens· Bon Iver
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Doomed
The chorus shifts from a somber reflection on inevitable heartache to a moment of acceptance, underscoring the internal struggle between hope and despair.
By contrasting these emotions within the refrain, it illustrates how grappling with vulnerability can coexist alongside moments of resignation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Man on the Moon (Reprise) 0:36
- 2 Don’t Bother Calling 3:59
- 3 Plastic 3:08
- 4 Quarrel 6:45
- 5 Stoicism 1:02
- 6 Lonely World 4:48
- 7 Make Out in My Car 2:35
- 8 The Cocoon-Eyed Baby 1:09
- 9 Doomed 4:27
- 10 Indulge Me 3:16
- 11 Self-Help Tape 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.