At the Edge of the Beginning
Idan Raichel · 2015
31 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk melodies intertwined with heartfelt storytelling and global musical influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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לחכות (To Wait) — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and anticipation, setting an emotional tone that resonates throughout the record.
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היד החמה (The Warm Hand) — With its gentle melody and intimate lyrics, this song highlights Raichel's skill in creating a sense of connection and warmth, drawing listeners into personal narratives.
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געגוע (Longing) — This track weaves together poignant imagery with haunting vocals, effectively expressing deep feelings of nostalgia and desire that are central to Raichel's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar folk territory.
What we noticed
- Vocal harmonies are prominent throughout, often featuring multiple singers contributing to the same line, enhancing the communal feel.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, with moments of quiet introspection followed by more energetic sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- heartfelt storytelling in brief moments
- reflective listening during quiet times
- intimate melodies for personal reflection
- short tracks encourage repeated plays
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, expansive compositions
- prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'At the Edge of the Beginning' was released in December 2015, Idan Raichel had already established himself as a prominent figure in Israeli music, following his successful album 'Quarter to Six' in 2013. This new release marked a continuation of his exploration into diverse sounds and collaborations, further solidifying his unique blend of traditional and contemporary influences at a crucial point in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Omer Adam· David Broza· Matisyahu
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 לחכות (To Wait) 3:06
- 2 היד החמה (The Warm Hand) 2:48
- 3 בישימון (In the Wilderness) 2:26
- 4 מביטים בירח (Looking at the Moon) 2:51
- 5 מעגלים (Circles) 3:16
- 6 אי בודד (Lonely Island) 2:15
- 7 ילדה שלי קטנה (Little Girl of Mine) 2:14
- 8 דלת מסתובבת (Revolving Door) 2:44
- 9 געגוע (Longing) 2:44
- 10 בחמש שניות (In Five Seconds) 3:14
- 11 לפני שייגמר (Before It Ends) 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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