Top tracks — play these first
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Czerwony jak cegła — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its powerful instrumentation and vivid storytelling, reflecting both personal and collective experiences.
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Whisky — A fan favorite, this song showcases Dżem's signature blues-rock sound while exploring themes of longing and introspection that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Ballada o dziwnym malarzu — This track stands out for its poetic lyrics and haunting melody, encapsulating the album's artistic depth and emotional weight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends blues and rock with nostalgic lyrics, reflecting its cultural significance in Poland's music scene.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, driving rhythm in 'Czerwony jak cegła', establishing a blues-rock foundation that persists throughout.
- Lyrical themes of nostalgia and identity are prevalent, particularly in 'Ballada o dziwnym malarzu' and 'Kim jestem - jestem sobie'.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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
- heartfelt narratives with emotional depth
- reflective moments for quiet listening
- subtle pacing with dynamic shifts
- engaging storytelling through song
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced, energetic tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Cegła was Dżem's fourth album and marked a significant moment in their evolution as a band. At this time, they were gaining popularity in Poland's underground music scene, following their breakthrough with the album Złoty Dżem just a year earlier. This release solidified their reputation for blending blues with Polish lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kult· T.Love· Nocny Kochanek
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Kim jestem - jestem sobie
The chorus repeats a reflective question about identity, creating an introspective atmosphere that invites listeners to ponder their own self-perception.
The repetition emphasizes existential inquiry, contrasting with more straightforward narratives throughout the album and highlighting the complexity of personal identity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Czerwony jak cegła 5:12
- 2 Whisky 5:08
- 3 Nieudany skok 3:50
- 4 Ballada o dziwnym malarzu 6:12
- 5 Jesiony 4:58
- 6 Powiał boczny wiatr 3:48
- 7 Kim jestem - jestem sobie 4:07
- 8 Oh, słodka 8:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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