Candylion
Gruff Rhys · 2007
44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A whimsical blend of playful melodies and introspective lyrics that create a vivid, dreamlike landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Candylion — The title track encapsulates the album's whimsical nature with its catchy chorus and fantastical imagery, serving as a perfect entry point into Rhys's imaginative world.
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The Court of King Arthur — This track combines historical references with contemporary themes, showcasing Rhys's ability to weave narratives that feel both timeless and relevant.
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Cycle of Violence — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this song addresses heavier themes of conflict and resolution, contrasting the album's more playful tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends whimsical melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing Rhys's unique style post-Super Furry Animals.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a bright, upbeat track that sets a whimsical tone, followed by a shift to more introspective themes in the subsequent songs.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that contrasts with the simplicity of the melodies.
- The sequencing includes moments of abrupt tempo changes, particularly between 'Cycle of Violence' and 'Painting People Blue', which alters the emotional flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- whimsical melodies for daydreaming
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- playful introspection during quiet moments
- surreal soundscapes for creative thinking
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Candylion is Gruff Rhys's first solo album following his tenure with the Super Furry Animals, marking a significant shift in his artistic direction. Released in early 2007, it showcases his penchant for combining surreal storytelling with eclectic soundscapes, setting the stage for his subsequent solo work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Super Furry Animals· The Flaming Lips· Beck
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Is Just the Beginning 0:50
- 2 Candylion 2:31
- 3 The Court of King Arthur 3:24
- 4 Lonsome Words 2:55
- 5 Cycle of Violence 2:56
- 6 Painting People Blue 2:53
- 7 Beacon in the Darkness 3:18
- 8 Con Cariño 2:18
- 9 Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru 3:17
- 10 Now That the Feeling Has Gone 3:01
- 11 Ffrwydriad yn y Ffurfafen 2:40
- 12 Skylon! 14:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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