Big Blue Ball
Big Blue Ball · 2008
59 min · 11 tracks
An eclectic blend of world music rhythms and ambient textures, creating a meditative sonic landscape that invites exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Whole Thing (original mix) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rhythmic grooves and layered instrumentation, embodying the collaborative spirit of the project.
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Burn You Up, Burn You Down — This song features haunting vocals alongside a pulsating rhythm that exemplifies the album's blend of traditional and contemporary influences, highlighting emotional depth.
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Everything Comes From You — A standout track that combines ethereal melodies with rich percussion, showcasing the seamless integration of various cultural sounds that defines this album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic mix of global sounds and collaborative spirit creates a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including traditional world music instruments alongside electronic elements, creating a layered soundscape.
- Tracks often shift in tempo and mood, with some pieces building gradually while others introduce abrupt changes, keeping the listener engaged.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the project and the diverse backgrounds of the contributing artists.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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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
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
- steady progression with peaks
- rich global rhythmic textures
- ideal for focused listening
- inviting dance and movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Big Blue Ball marked the first collaborative project from Peter Gabriel and various international artists, showcasing a unique fusion of global sounds. This album followed Gabriel's commercial peak in the '90s and his subsequent focus on world music influences.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Exit Through You
The verses culminate in a moment of introspection where imagery shifts from external landscapes to internal reflections.
This transition emphasizes personal connection amidst broader themes, revealing layers of meaning through its shift from outer to inner exploration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Whole Thing (original mix) 5:27
- 2 Habibe 7:12
- 3 Shadow 4:28
- 4 altus silva 6:07
- 5 Exit Through You 5:52
- 6 Everything Comes From You 4:42
- 7 Burn You Up, Burn You Down 4:31
- 8 Forest 6:17
- 9 Rivers 5:45
- 10 Jijy 4:00
- 11 Big Blue Ball 4:52
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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