Released 20 years ago
Ballad of the Broken Seas
Isobel Campbell · 2006
42 min · 12 tracks · pop music
A haunting blend of folk and pop, woven with ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ballad of the Broken Seas — This title track encapsulates the album's essence with its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics, acting as a poignant reflection on love and loss.
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The False Husband — The delicate interplay between Campbell's soft vocals and Lanegan's deep timbre creates an emotional tension that exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the album.
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Honey Child What Can I Do? — This track stands out for its blend of whimsical instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Campbell's ability to combine lightness with deeper emotional currents.
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, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of soft, layered instrumentation that creates a lush soundscape throughout its tracks.
- Vocals are often harmonized, with Campbell's voice blending seamlessly with guest vocalist Mark Lanegan on several songs.
- Many tracks employ a slow to mid-tempo pace, with the majority of songs maintaining a reflective mood and minimalistic arrangement.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- hauntingly beautiful melodies
- introspective late-night listening
- gentle, soothing background ambiance
- emotional storytelling through song
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2006, Isobel Campbell was transitioning from her role as a member of Belle and Sebastian to a solo artist. 'Ballad of the Broken Seas' marked her second album, following her debut 'Amorino' in 2003, and showcased her artistic evolution towards a more personal sound, collaborating with Mark Lanegan to deepen the album's texture.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Beth Orton· Laura Marling· Feist
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Deus Ibi Est 2:51
- 2 Black Mountain 3:10
- 3 The False Husband 3:53
- 4 Ballad of the Broken Seas 2:42
- 5 Revolver 2:40
- 6 Ramblin' Man 3:29
- 7 (Do You Wanna) Come Walk With Me? 3:27
- 8 Saturday's Gone 4:37
- 9 It's Hard to Kill a Bad Thing 2:53
- 10 Honey Child What Can I Do? 3:44
- 11 Dusty Wreath 3:44
- 12 The Circus Is Leaving Town 5:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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