Blackheart
Dawn Richard · 2015
61 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B
A genre-defying blend of R&B, electronic, and experimental sounds that evoke a hauntingly intimate atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Calypso — This track exemplifies Richard's ability to merge rhythmic grooves with introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant yet reflective soundscape.
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Blow — With its infectious beat and empowering message, this song stands out as an anthem for self-assertion and liberation within the album.
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Swim Free — This track showcases Richard's vocal range paired with ethereal production, highlighting themes of freedom and personal growth that resonate throughout the album.
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Warriors — The song’s powerful lyrics and driving instrumentation make it a standout reflection on resilience and strength in facing adversity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive yet experimental sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a moody tone, followed by tracks that blend electronic elements with traditional R&B structures.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and unconventional song structures, such as 'Adderall / Sold (Outerlude)' which shifts between different musical ideas.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- personal storytelling through sound
- vibrant emotional crescendos throughout
- immersive explorations of self
- cathartic moments of release
- introspective late-night listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon releasing 'Blackheart,' Dawn Richard was positioning herself as a solo artist following her departure from Danity Kane. This album marked her third independent release and showcased her artistic evolution after the more mainstream pop sound of her previous group.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kelela· Janelle Monáe· SZA
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Warriors
One moment shifts from a collective rallying cry to an individual introspection, emphasizing personal battles alongside communal strength.
This shift creates a layered narrative that balances personal vulnerability with empowerment, enhancing the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Noir (intro) 1:23
- 2 Calypso 4:25
- 3 Blow 4:29
- 4 Billie Jean 4:37
- 5 Adderall / Sold (Outerlude) 7:28
- 6 Swim Free 3:59
- 7 Titans (interlude) 2:06
- 8 Warriors 5:40
- 9 Projection 5:59
- 10 Castles 4:42
- 11 Phoenix 4:04
- 12 Choices (interlude) 2:58
- 13 The Deep 5:07
- 14 Blackheart (outro) 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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