Bloomed cover

Bloomed

Richard Buckner · 1994

64 min · 17 tracks · indie rock

A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke the spirit of wandering and longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blue and Wonder — As the opening track, it sets a contemplative tone with its delicate instrumentation and evocative imagery, encapsulating Buckner's lyrical depth right from the start.
  • →
    Six Years — This track showcases Buckner's storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative of reflection and nostalgia that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Emma — The closing track combines emotional weight with beautiful melody, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of longing that defines Buckner's style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but is less distinctive compared to later works in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft vocals, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation, including strings and subtle percussion.
  • Many tracks utilize a slow tempo, with several songs extending beyond four minutes, allowing for atmospheric build-up and lyrical exploration.
  • Buckner's vocal delivery often employs a conversational tone, creating an intimate connection with the listener as he navigates themes of longing and introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Blue and Wonder 3:47
  • 2 Rainsquall 3:49
  • 3 22 3:59
  • 4 Mud 3:12
  • 5 Six Years 3:11
  • 6 This Is Where 3:46
  • 7 Gauzy Dress in the Sun 3:11
  • 8 Daisychain 3:07
  • 9 Desire 3:51
  • 10 Up North 2:47
  • 11 Surprise, AZ 3:40
  • 12 Cradle to the Angel 3:42
  • 13 The Last Ride 2:54
  • 14 Settled Down 4:53
  • 15 The Worst Way 4:08
  • 16 Emma 6:00
  • 17 Hutchinson 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata