Begone Dull Care cover

Begone Dull Care

Junior Boys · 2009

47 min · 8 tracks · synth-pop

A reflective blend of synth-pop and R&B, where smooth melodies intertwine with intricate electronic textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Parallel Lines — The opening track sets the tone with its lush synth layers and contemplative lyrics, encapsulating the album's exploration of emotional distance.
  • →
    Hazel — This track showcases the duo's ability to blend melodic pop sensibilities with darker undertones, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Sneak a Picture — With its pulsating rhythm and introspective lyrics about fleeting moments, this track exemplifies the album’s theme of capturing ephemeral experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate production and smooth melodies, creating a reflective listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, ambient atmosphere.
  • Several tracks utilize layered synths and vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Hazel' and 'Sneak a Picture'.
  • The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, which leaves an unresolved feeling that encourages reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • reflective moments for quiet thinking
  • smooth melodies for evening relaxation
  • intricate layers for headphone exploration
  • steady pacing for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Begone Dull Care is Junior Boys' third studio album, following their critically praised 2006 release, So This Is Goodbye. At this point in their career, the duo had established themselves as a prominent act within the synth-pop genre, fusing elements of electronic music with introspective songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
The Postal Service· Washed Out· Cut Copy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Parallel Lines 6:32
  • 2 Work 6:30
  • 3 Bits & Pieces 4:01
  • 4 Dull to Pause 4:52
  • 5 Hazel 6:13
  • 6 Sneak a Picture 7:00
  • 7 The Animator 5:07
  • 8 What It's For 6:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata