Branigan 2 cover

Branigan 2

Laura Branigan · 1983

37 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A blend of synth-pop and folk rock, infused with emotive vocals and rich melodies that define Laura Branigan's signature style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    How Am I Supposed to Live Without You — This track showcases Branigan's powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth, becoming one of her signature songs that resonates strongly with listeners.
  • →
    Solitaire Start here — A standout ballad that highlights Branigan's ability to convey vulnerability through its poignant lyrics and sweeping melodies.
  • →
    Lucky — This upbeat track embodies the infectious energy of early '80s pop and illustrates Branigan's versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong vocal performances and varied tempos but lacks deep cohesion across its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with 'Solitaire', a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by three more tracks that maintain a similar pace before the tempo shifts.
  • The fifth track, 'Squeeze Box', introduces a faster rhythm, providing a contrast to the preceding songs and creating a dynamic shift in energy.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, with 'Find Me' and 'Don’t Show Your Love' featuring emotive vocal performances that emphasize lyrical themes of longing.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Followed her debut and solidified her reputation with a top ten hit.
Career context
Released in March 1983, Branigan 2 was Laura Branigan's second studio album, following her commercial breakthrough with her debut album, Self-Titled. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her presence in the pop music scene, leveraging the success of hits like 'Gloria' to reach wider audiences and explore diverse musical styles.
Stylistic neighbors
Kim Wilde· Cyndi Lauper· Belinda Carlisle

Tracklist

  • 1 Solitaire Start here 4:07
  • 2 Deep in the Dark 3:53
  • 3 Close Enough 3:46
  • 4 Lucky 4:00
  • 5 Squeeze Box 3:01
  • 6 How Am I Supposed to Live Without You 4:25
  • 7 I’m Not the Only One 3:22
  • 8 Mama 3:57
  • 9 Find Me 3:24
  • 10 Don’t Show Your Love 3:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata