Is Cease to Begin a good place to start with Band of Horses?

Yes, Cease to Begin is recommended as a starting point for new Band of Horses listeners. Ethereal harmonies and expansive instrumentation create a lush soundscape that captures both longing and nostalgia. Released in 2007, 'Cease to Begin' is Band of Horses' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut 'Everything All the Time'. The album marked a significant moment in their career as they solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining their signature emotional depth.

Who is Cease to Begin for?

Cease to Begin works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, late-night contemplative moods and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Cease to Begin?

Cease to Begin has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Cease to Begin

Band of Horses · 2007

34 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal harmonies and expansive instrumentation create a lush soundscape that captures both longing and nostalgia.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
No One’s Gonna Love You — This track stands out with its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, encapsulating the album's themes of love and loss while showcasing the band's growth.
→
Is There a Ghost Start here — Opening the album, this song blends an eerie atmosphere with introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record's exploration of existential themes.
→
Cigarettes, Wedding Bands — This track's intricate guitar work and layered vocals highlight the band's ability to evoke deep emotions, making it a memorable centerpiece of the album.
→
Marry Song — With its infectious melody and romantic undertones, this song represents the album's exploration of relationships and commitment amidst uncertainty.

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

The album combines strong songwriting with expansive arrangements, creating an engaging yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a sense of momentum with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more playful tone with its upbeat tempo.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow the lush soundscapes to breathe and develop over time.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually lower the energy, creating a reflective atmosphere as it concludes.

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 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
short, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation after a strong debut, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: nostalgic longing· wedding band imagery
Career context: Released in 2007, 'Cease to Begin' is Band of Horses' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut 'Everything All the Time'. The album marked a significant moment in their career as they solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining their signature emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: My Morning Jacket· Fleet Foxes· The Shins