Badbea
Edwyn Collins · 2019
44 min · 13 tracks · rock music
A reflective blend of melodic rock and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of life's complexities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Glasgow to London — This track encapsulates the journey between two significant places in Collins' life, blending storytelling with rich melodic elements that reflect his roots.
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I Guess We Were Young — This song poignantly explores the bittersweet nature of youth and reminiscence, showcasing Collins' lyrical depth and emotional sincerity.
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You Rescued Me — The track serves as an intimate acknowledgment of support during difficult times, featuring heartfelt lyrics that highlight Collins’ vulnerability and gratitude.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines reflective lyrics with melodic rock, showcasing Collins' songwriting amid personal challenges.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks employ layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- melodic warmth for introspection
- thoughtful reflections on youth
- easygoing tunes for relaxation
- resilient themes of redemption
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 29, 2019, Badbea is Edwyn Collins' fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed 2013 release, Understated. At this point in his career, Collins was navigating a resurgence after surviving a life-threatening stroke in 2005, which had profoundly influenced his songwriting and artistic expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Orange Juice· Aztec Camera· The Go-Betweens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It's All About You 3:40
- 2 In the Morning 3:28
- 3 I Guess We Were Young 3:26
- 4 It All Makes Sense to Me 2:55
- 5 Outside 1:59
- 6 Glasgow to London 4:01
- 7 Tensions Rising 3:18
- 8 Beauty 2:50
- 9 I Want You 3:44
- 10 I'm Ok Jack 3:00
- 11 Sparks the Spark 4:26
- 12 Badbea 4:31
- 13 You Rescued Me 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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