Released 10 years ago
Citrine
Hayley Kiyoko · 2016
18 min · 5 tracks · pop music
A vibrant blend of synth-driven pop and heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love and self-discovery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gravel to Tempo — This track opens the EP with an infectious energy, showcasing Kiyoko's distinctive vocal style and setting the tone for the exploration of romantic tension.
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Pretty Girl — This standout single blends catchy hooks with empowering lyrics about self-acceptance, resonating widely with fans and becoming one of Kiyoko's signature songs.
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Ease My Mind — This track highlights emotional vulnerability through its lyrical content, offering a relatable reflection on anxiety in relationships, which adds depth to the EP's overall narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP effectively combines catchy pop melodies with personal lyrics, establishing Kiyoko's unique voice in the genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the last two slow down significantly, creating a noticeable shift in energy.
- Each track features layered synths and rhythmic hooks that drive the melodies forward, with Kiyoko's vocals prominently placed in the mix.
- Lyrically, the EP explores personal themes of love and identity, often using vivid imagery and relatable scenarios.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- short bursts of youthful energy
- introspective reflections on young love
- steady progression to emotional closure
- for upbeat morning routines
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
- want darker, more somber themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Citrine is Hayley Kiyoko's debut EP, released after her breakout single 'Girls Like Girls' in 2015. This project marked a pivotal moment in her career, establishing her as a significant voice in the LGBTQ+ community and pop music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tove Lo· Charli XCX· Dua Lipa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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One Bad Night
The song shifts from a carefree vibe to a moment of raw honesty about regret and vulnerability in love.
This transition deepens the emotional impact by contrasting lightheartedness with a stark acknowledgment of pain.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Gravel to Tempo 3:38
- 2 Ease My Mind 3:19
- 3 Pretty Girl 3:36
- 4 One Bad Night 3:55
- 5 Palace 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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