Carry the Ghost
Noah Gundersen · 2015
55 min · 13 tracks · acoustic music
An introspective blend of folk and acoustic melodies, layered with haunting vocals that explore themes of longing and vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slow Dancer — This opening track sets a contemplative tone with its gentle instrumentation and poignant lyrics about connection and vulnerability, drawing listeners into the album's emotional landscape.
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Selfish Art — A standout track that combines personal reflection with broader cultural commentary, it reveals Gundersen’s ability to weave intimate narratives with social observations, making it one of the album’s highlights.
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Empty From the Start — The song showcases Gundersen's lyrical prowess, capturing feelings of isolation and yearning through its haunting melody and evocative storytelling, resonating deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth but follows familiar folk structures.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features predominantly mid-tempo tracks, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Gundersen's vocal delivery often employs a soft, whisper-like quality, which contrasts with the more robust instrumentation in several tracks.
- Several songs feature layered harmonies and minimalistic arrangements, allowing for moments of silence that emphasize lyrical themes.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective reflections on vulnerability
- haunting melodies for quiet moments
- emotional depth in every track
- for late-night solitude
- gentle pacing that invites contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced songs
- prefer standalone, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2015, Carry the Ghost arrived as Noah Gundersen's sophomore album, following his debut, Ledges, which had garnered significant acclaim. This album marks a period of artistic maturation for Gundersen, as he delves deeper into personal narratives and rich sonic textures, building on the momentum of his earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Ben Howard· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slow Dancer 3:30
- 2 Halo (Disappear/Reappear) 3:54
- 3 Selfish Art 4:25
- 4 Show Me the Light 4:11
- 5 The Difference 4:01
- 6 Silver Bracelet 3:07
- 7 I Need a Woman 5:00
- 8 Jealous Love 3:26
- 9 Empty From the Start 4:48
- 10 Blossom 3:43
- 11 Topless Dancer 3:55
- 12 Heartbreaker 7:14
- 13 Planted Seeds 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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