Build a Problem
Dodie · 2021
37 min · 14 tracks
A candid blend of pop and folk, weaving confessional lyrics with playful melodies and intimate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hate Myself — This track captures the essence of self-reflection with its poignant lyrics about inner turmoil and regret, set against an engaging melody that draws listeners in.
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I Kissed Someone (It Wasn’t You) — With its catchy chorus and upbeat production, this song cleverly juxtaposes lightheartedness with themes of confusion and longing, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Sorry — The emotional depth of this track showcases Dodie's lyrical prowess, as she navigates themes of vulnerability and apology with a sincerity that resonates throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends pop and folk elements with relatable narratives, showcasing Dodie's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that blend playful melodies with confessional lyrics, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album includes interludes marked by silence or minimal instrumentation, which serve to create pauses and emphasize the lyrical content.
- 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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6/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- intimate storytelling with whimsy
- steady pacing for reflection
- for young adulthood
- mid-tempo flow for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Build a Problem' was released in May 2021, Dodie had transitioned from a YouTube sensation to an established artist, following her debut EP 'Human' in 2019. This album marked her first full-length release, showcasing a matured sound and deeper introspection in her songwriting as she navigated themes of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Låpsley· Sufjan Stevens· Phoebe Bridgers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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When
The bridge shifts to a moment of vulnerability where the speaker confronts their fears about future relationships.
This structural pivot heightens the emotional intensity, contrasting earlier confidence with a raw expression of doubt that underscores the album's overarching theme.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Air So Sweet 1:05
- 2 Hate Myself 3:28
- 3 I Kissed Someone (It Wasn’t You) 2:30
- 4 Cool Girl 3:19
- 5 Special Girl 3:13
- 6 Rainbow 2:46
- 7 ? 1:12
- 8 Four Tequilas Down 2:22
- 9 . 1:23
- 10 Sorry 2:45
- 11 When 3:43
- 12 Before the Line 3:36
- 13 Guiltless 3:29
- 14 Boys Like You 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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