Black Hours
Hamilton Leithauser · 2014
56 min · 14 tracks
A blend of introspective lyrics and rich instrumentation that oscillates between melancholy and warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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5 AM — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its contemplative lyrics and haunting melody, encapsulating the theme of introspection that permeates throughout.
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Alexandra — A poignant homage that captures the essence of longing, this track features lush instrumentation paired with evocative storytelling, demonstrating Leithauser's lyrical prowess.
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I Don't Need Anyone — This song showcases Leithauser’s vocal range and emotional depth, combining a catchy melody with themes of isolation and self-reflection that resonate deeply.
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 rich instrumentation but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
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 incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and horns, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's lyrical themes often explore introspection and personal relationships, with a notable shift in tone from melancholy to warmth across tracks.
- 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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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
- melancholic reflections on relationships
- late-night introspection and solitude
- warm instrumentation with lyrical depth
- thoughtful storytelling in every track
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Black Hours is Hamilton Leithauser's first solo album after his tenure with The Walkmen, marking a significant shift in his musical direction. This album followed a brief hiatus for the band and was a definitive moment for Leithauser as he explored more personal themes away from the ensemble setting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Walkmen· Father John Misty· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 5 AM 3:24
- 2 The Silent Orchestra 4:31
- 3 Alexandra 2:46
- 4 11 O'Clock Friday Night 4:36
- 5 St. Mary's County 3:11
- 6 Self Pity 5:25
- 7 I Retired 4:22
- 8 I Don't Need Anyone 4:53
- 9 Bless Your Heart 5:10
- 10 The Smallest Splinter 4:22
Disc 2
- 1 Waltz 3:17
- 2 In Our Time (I'll Always Love You) 3:23
- 3 Utrecht 2:47
- 4 I'll Never Love Again 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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