B'lieve I'm Goin Down...
Kurt Vile · 2015
89 min · 18 tracks · rock music
A laid-back blend of introspective lyrics and sun-drenched melodies, weaving together folk-rock and lo-fi charm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pretty Pimpin Start here — This track stands out with its catchy melody and vivid imagery of existential musings, encapsulating the album's reflective tone.
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I’m an Outlaw — With its playful exploration of rebellious themes, this song showcases Vile's ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling.
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Dust Bunnies — This track highlights Vile's knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes while delving into the mundane aspects of life with lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with varied instrumentation, creating a laid-back yet engaging sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar effects that create a dreamy, lo-fi atmosphere, particularly in 'Dust Bunnies' and 'Wild Imagination'.
- The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with Vile's vocal delivery remaining relaxed and conversational throughout.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- wave-like pacing that invites reflection
- breezy melodies for relaxed afternoons
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- dynamic flow with emotional peaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- want straightforward, single-focused albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Vile's growth as a songwriter, widely acclaimed and marks a high point in his catalog.
- Themes
- mundane life reflections· sun-drenched storytelling
- Career context
- Released on September 25, 2015, B'lieve I'm Goin Down... marks Kurt Vile's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed Wakin on a Pretty Daze. At this point in his career, Vile had solidified his standing as a prominent figure in the indie rock scene, continuing to refine his signature sound that balances personal storytelling with a relaxed vibe.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Isbell· Mac DeMarco· Bill Callahan
Tracklist
- 1 Pretty Pimpin Start here 4:58
- 2 I’m an Outlaw 4:21
- 3 Dust Bunnies 4:38
- 4 That’s Life, Tho (Almost Hate to Say) 6:26
- 5 Wheelhouse 6:14
- 6 Life Like This 4:04
- 7 All in a Daze Work 4:59
- 8 Lost My Head There 6:55
- 9 Stand Inside 5:12
- 10 Bad Omens 2:50
- 11 Kidding Around 4:27
- 12 Wild Imagination 5:50
- 13 B’lieve I’m Goin Down 5:12
- 14 Less Talk (More Walkin Away) 3:59
- 15 Nicotine Blues 4:56
- 16 Bad Omens (No Faders) 5:17
- 17 No Stranger to the Ball Bust 9:30
- 18 Sax Omens (J Turbo)
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Salad Days
Mac DeMarco
Shares a laid-back vibe with introspective lyrics and a sun-soaked, lo-fi production aesthetic.
Lost in the Dream
The War on Drugs
Combines expansive soundscapes with personal storytelling, echoing Vile's reflective themes.
I Love You, Honeybear
Father John Misty
Merges witty yet heartfelt lyrics with a relaxed folk-rock sound that captures ordinary life.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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