What makes Capacity by Big Thief notable?

Capacity received widespread acclaim upon release, landing on numerous year-end lists and earning a spot in NPR's '50 Favorite Albums of 2017.' The album's emotional depth and intricate instrumentation helped establish Big Thief as a significant voice in contemporary folk and indie music. Released in early 2017, Capacity is Big Thief's sophomore album, following their critically acclaimed debut Masterpiece. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the indie rock scene, gaining recognition for their distinct sound and lyricism.

Capacity works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, haunting melodies for introspection and emotional narratives of love.

How many songs are on Capacity?

Capacity has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Capacity

Big Thief · 2017

41 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A haunting blend of intimate storytelling and expansive soundscapes, weaving together folk, rock, and emotional vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shark Smile — This track showcases the band's ability to blend vivid storytelling with a driving rhythm, capturing themes of chaos and resilience amidst heartbreak.
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Mythological Beauty — With its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics, this song epitomizes the album's exploration of love and loss through a mythic lens.
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Haley — This track stands out for its raw emotional delivery and intricate guitar work, highlighting the album’s introspective nature and personal narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Capacity showcases strong songwriting and intricate arrangements that resonate emotionally.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with guitars and strings weaving in and out of the vocal lines, creating a rich texture.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the narratives presented.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
haunting melodies for introspection
emotional narratives of love
gentle storytelling in order
delicate soundscapes for solitude

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2017, Capacity is Big Thief's sophomore album, following their critically acclaimed debut Masterpiece. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the indie rock scene, gaining recognition for their distinct sound and lyricism.
Stylistic neighbors: Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Margaret Glaspy