Bound by the Beauty cover

Bound by the Beauty

Jane Siberry · 1989

42 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A whimsical blend of folk-pop and avant-garde elements, marked by introspective lyrics and playful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Bound by the Beauty — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and beauty through its intricate melodies and thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Siberry's distinctive vocal style.
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    Everything Reminds Me of My Dog — This track stands out for its quirky charm and emotional depth, using a lighthearted premise to explore deeper feelings of nostalgia and companionship.
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    Hockey — With its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo, 'Hockey' serves as a commentary on Canadian culture, blending humor with a catchy chorus that resonates with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends whimsical melodies with experimental structures, creating a distinctive sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocals and a gradual build-up of instrumentation, setting a whimsical tone.
  • The use of spoken word segments interspersed with melodic lines creates an avant-garde feel, particularly in tracks like 'Hockey'.
  • The final track concludes with a slow fade-out, leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling that invites reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical reflections on life
  • introspective moments of connection
  • gentle pacing for contemplation
  • short tracks for quick listens

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Bound by the Beauty' was released in 1989, Jane Siberry was transitioning from her earlier work into a more experimental pop sound. This album followed her critically acclaimed 'The Speckless Sky' and showcased her continued artistic evolution, establishing her as a unique voice in the Canadian music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Lisa Germano· Fiona Apple· Tori Amos

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Bound by the Beauty 4:42
  • 2 Something About Trains 3:44
  • 3 Hockey 3:58
  • 4 Everything Reminds Me of My Dog 4:20
  • 5 The Valley 6:05
  • 6 The Life is the Red Wagon 4:14
  • 7 Half Angel Half Eagle 3:55
  • 8 La Jalouse 3:59
  • 9 Miss Punta Blanca 1:38
  • 10 Are We Dancing Now? (Map III) 6:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata