Arrows of Desire
Matthew Good · 2013
42 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Intimate acoustic melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a tapestry of reflection and longing that resonates deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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Arrows of Desire — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of yearning and introspection, featuring haunting melodies that highlight Good's emotive vocal delivery.
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Via Dolorosa — This track combines vivid imagery with a contemplative narrative structure, effectively illustrating the emotional weight that permeates the album.
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Garden of Knives — With its layered instrumentation and reflective lyrics, this song stands out for its exploration of inner conflict and resilience, making it a pivotal moment on the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intimate melodies and cohesive themes but lacks standout compositions that elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a soft acoustic guitar that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the subsequent tracks.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The album has a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only one track significantly deviating to a faster rhythm.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- intimate moments of reflection
- poignant melodies for solitude
- thoughtful listening during dusk
- cathartic release through lyrics
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2013, Matthew Good released 'Arrows of Desire' as his sixth studio album, following the commercial success of 'Lights of Endangered Species' in 2011. At this point in his career, Good was solidifying his reputation as a solo artist after previously achieving fame with the band Matthew Good Band, showcasing his artistic evolution and personal storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Gray· Gavin DeGraw· The Fray
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Arrows of Desire 4:06
- 2 Via Dolorosa 4:02
- 3 Had It Coming 2:40
- 4 We're Long Gone 2:09
- 5 So Close 3:42
- 6 Garden of Knives 5:29
- 7 Mutineering 5:05
- 8 Hey Hell Heaven 3:51
- 9 Guns of Carolina 4:42
- 10 Letters In Wartime 6:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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