Cenizas
Nicolas Jaar · 2020
53 min · 13 tracks · electronic music
A haunting blend of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that evoke a meditative yet immersive sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cenizas — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic core, blending melancholic melodies with a rich tapestry of sound that mirrors the feelings of loss and renewal.
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Mud — This track stands out for its extended duration and evolving structure, creating a hypnotic journey that invites deep listening and reflection on the nature of time.
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Faith Made of Silk — With its layered textures and intricate rhythms, this track exemplifies Jaar's ability to merge organic sounds with electronic elements, offering a poignant exploration of fragility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's immersive soundscapes and cohesive structure highlight Jaar's skill in electronic composition.
What we noticed
- The album features long, evolving tracks that often build gradually, layering ambient sounds with rhythmic elements over extended durations.
- Each track typically maintains a consistent mood, with subtle shifts in texture rather than dramatic changes in dynamics or tempo.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings and found sounds, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites deep listening.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
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
- immersive sonic landscapes for reflection
- meditative pacing with rhythmic pulses
- subtle emotional shifts throughout
- for introspective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Nicolas Jaar released 'Cenizas' in 2020, he had established himself as a pioneering figure in electronic music with acclaimed projects like 'Space is Only Noise' (2011) and 'Sirens' (2016). This album followed a period of experimentation and marked his return to solo work after collaborative projects. As an artist, Jaar was exploring deeper emotional and philosophical themes within his soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Max Cooper· Bonobo· Four Tet
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mud
The bridge introduces a shift in tempo and mood, layering spoken word elements over rhythmic beats that create a sense of urgency.
This structural change adds complexity to the narrative, challenging the listener’s perception of pace while enhancing the emotional weight of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vanish 3:11
- 2 Menysid 3:58
- 3 Cenizas 4:39
- 4 Agosto 2:47
- 5 Gocce 3:56
- 6 Mud 7:13
- 7 Vacíar 2:11
- 8 Sunder 3:05
- 9 Hello, Chain 5:26
- 10 Rubble 3:01
- 11 Garden 5:25
- 12 Xerox 3:19
- 13 Faith Made of Silk 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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