Audacity
Ugly Duckling · 2009
49 min · 12 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Playful beats and clever wordplay intertwine with a lighthearted, jazzy vibe, showcasing the duo's signature alternative hip-hop style.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Won't Let It Die — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its infectious groove and lyrical resilience, embodying the spirit of perseverance that permeates the record.
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The Takedown — This track showcases the duo's sharp wit and playful banter, making it a highlight that encapsulates their unique approach to storytelling through hip-hop.
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Einstein Do It (Night on Scratch Mountain) — With its catchy hooks and engaging beat, this song exemplifies Ugly Duckling's knack for blending humor with insightful commentary, making it memorable in their catalog.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and production but remains within established genre boundaries.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with playful rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside samples, creating a dynamic sound that blends hip-hop with jazz influences.
- The duo alternates verses frequently, maintaining a conversational flow that emphasizes their clever wordplay and lyrical interplay.
- 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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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It's Gone
A poignant moment occurs when the lyrics shift from nostalgic reflection to acceptance of loss, capturing a sense of bittersweet resolution.
This transition heightens emotional impact by contrasting earlier themes of longing with a mature understanding of letting go.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Won't Let It Die 4:15
- 2 The Takedown 3:52
- 3 Audacity, Parts 1 & 2 5:03
- 4 Falling Again 4:22
- 5 It's Gone 3:47
- 6 I Want to Believe 4:52
- 7 Einstein Do It (Night on Scratch Mountain) 4:30
- 8 The Lonely Ones 4:11
- 9 Pay or Quit 1:34
- 10 Right Now 4:27
- 11 It Never Mattered 4:36
- 12 Oh Yeah 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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