Big Love: Hymnal cover

Big Love: Hymnal

David Byrne · 2008

40 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A meditative exploration of spirituality and existentialism, woven through minimalist arrangements and Byrne's introspective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Art Thou Greater Than He? Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Written on Golden Plates — This track encapsulates Byrne's unique blend of storytelling and spiritual inquiry, utilizing vivid imagery to reflect on belief and history.
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    Great Desolations — The haunting melody coupled with poignant lyrics presents a profound reflection on isolation and longing, representing the thematic core of the album.
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    The Angel Moroni — With its ethereal arrangement, this track highlights Byrne's ability to merge sacred themes with contemporary sounds, creating a bridge between past and present narratives.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady reflective listening experience
  • meditative exploration of themes
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • thought-provoking lyrical storytelling
  • suitable for quiet contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer lengthy immersive pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Features a unique blend of liturgical themes and alternative rock, diverging from Byrne's prior work.
Themes
scriptural imagery· spiritual exploration
Career context
By the time 'Big Love: Hymnal' was released in 2008, David Byrne had established himself as a multifaceted artist beyond his work with Talking Heads. This album marked a continued exploration of theatrical and conceptual music, coming after his 2004 collaboration on 'Grown Backwards' and reflecting his ongoing interest in themes of faith and belief systems.
Stylistic neighbors
Talking Heads· Brian Eno· The B-52's
New to David Byrne? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Art Thou Greater Than He? Start here 2:06
  • 2 Exquisite Whiteness 2:04
  • 3 A Hill in Ontario County 1:25
  • 4 Written on Golden Plates 2:12
  • 5 Deep Water 2:07
  • 6 A Building in the Air 1:14
  • 7 Great Desolations 2:37
  • 8 A House on Sand 3:14
  • 9 The Mouth of Malachi 1:38
  • 10 Cumorah! 1:14
  • 11 The Angel Moroni 1:56
  • 12 Murmur Not 1:14
  • 13 The Pearl of Great Price 1:25
  • 14 Language Confounded 2:12
  • 15 Unclean Spirits 2:13
  • 16 A Persecution Followed 2:01
  • 17 The Breastplate of Righteousness 1:32
  • 18 A Conduit to Heaven 2:37
  • 19 Cloud of Light 1:25
  • 20 The Burden of the Word 2:34
  • 21 Blue Hawaii 1:27

What to play next

Love This Giant
Listen next

Love This Giant

2012

Continues the exploration of thematic storytelling with a fresh collaborative sound.
Grown Backwards
Go back to

Grown Backwards

2004

Sets up a similar introspective tone and lyrical depth that leads into 'Big Love: Hymnal'.
Full David Byrne discography Where to start with David Byrne Artists like David Byrne
alternative rock new wave

If this landed

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Jónsi

Combines ethereal soundscapes with themes of hope and existential reflection, akin to Byrne's meditative style.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata