What makes Choir of the Mind by Emily Haines notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and innovative soundscapes, solidifying Haines' position as a significant voice in contemporary rock. It also marked her first solo release since 2006's Knives Don't Have Your Back, making it a noteworthy return that resonated with both fans and critics alike. Released in 2017, Choir of the Mind is Emily Haines' first solo project in over a decade, following her work with Metric. At this point in her career, she was balancing the demands of her band while exploring deeper, more experimental themes in her songwriting.

How many songs are on Choir of the Mind?

Choir of the Mind has 13 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Choir of the Mind

Emily Haines · 2017

59 min · 13 tracks · rock music

Haunting melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a sonic landscape that feels both personal and cosmic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Choir of the Mind — The title track encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of introspection and emotional complexity through layered harmonies and evocative instrumentation.
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Wounded — This track stands out for its raw vulnerability, where Haines' poignant delivery articulates feelings of loss and resilience against a backdrop of delicate piano.
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Strangle All Romance — In this song, Haines combines biting lyrics with an upbeat tempo, creating a contrast that highlights the struggle between desire and self-preservation.
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Irish Exit — This brief yet impactful track uses sparse arrangements to convey a sense of longing and reflection, showcasing Haines' ability to evoke powerful emotions in minimal space.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album features introspective lyrics and innovative soundscapes, balancing personal themes with experimental elements.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity, setting a contemplative tone for the following songs.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, while others strip back to solo vocals accompanied by minimal instrumentation.
The last three tracks shift towards more abstract soundscapes, incorporating unconventional structures and experimental elements.

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: 8/10
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.