Blackbird
Dan Sultan · 2014
48 min · 13 tracks · world music
A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and rhythmic grooves that echo the diverse influences of Australian music culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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High Street Riot — This track captures the raw energy and social commentary prevalent throughout the album, blending catchy hooks with poignant lyrics about urban life and its challenges.
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Kimberley Calling — With its evocative storytelling and rich instrumental arrangement, this song connects deeply to Sultan's roots, celebrating Australia's natural beauty while maintaining a reflective tone.
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Nobody Knows — This track showcases Sultan's vocal range and emotional depth, combining intimate lyrics with a haunting melody that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends rhythmic grooves and soulful melodies, showcasing strong craftsmanship and varied tempos.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong rhythmic groove in 'Make Me Slip', setting an upbeat tone that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'Ain't Thinking About You' and 'Nobody Knows', enhancing the soulful quality.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- 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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6/10
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 mid-tempo flow
- poignant storytelling experiences
- immersive listening sessions
- contemplative reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Blackbird' was released in 2014, Dan Sultan had established himself as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene with his previous albums, particularly 'Get Out While You Can' (2010). This album marked a significant evolution in his sound, showcasing a matured artistry that combined rock, pop, and traditional influences, strengthening his position within the industry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Xavier Rudd· Paul Kelly· The Cat Empire
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Make Me Slip 3:11
- 2 Can't Blame Me 3:23
- 3 Under Your Skin 2:24
- 4 High Street Riot 4:38
- 5 Ain't Thinking About You 3:12
- 6 Kimberley Calling 4:13
- 7 The Same Man 4:12
- 8 Nobody Knows 4:32
- 9 Waiting on the End of the Phone 3:02
- 10 It Belongs to Us 4:05
- 11 No More Explanations 3:01
- 12 Loving's Just for Fools 4:17
- 13 Gullible Few 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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