Colour the Small One cover

Colour the Small One

Sia · 2004

71 min · 16 tracks · indie pop

A lush tapestry of ethereal vocals and intricate arrangements that blend electropop with intimate storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Breathe Me Start here — As the emotional centerpiece of the album, this track encapsulates vulnerability through its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics about self-acceptance and healing.
  • →
    Rewrite — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics and delicate production, showcasing Sia's ability to blend personal narratives with melodic hooks.
  • →
    The Bully — This song addresses themes of resilience against harassment, reflecting a deeper social commentary within Sia's generally personal songwriting style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate arrangements with ethereal vocals, creating a distinct sound that rewards multiple listens.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Vocals often layer harmonies with minimal instrumentation, creating an intimate atmosphere that emphasizes lyrical storytelling.
  • Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as extended intros or outros, which contribute to a dreamlike quality.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • haunting vocals for emotional depth
  • balanced progression through introspection
  • delicate sound for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Sia's reputation with the hit 'Breathe Me' and wider recognition.
Themes
personal isolation· self-acceptance struggle
Career context
When Sia released Colour the Small One in January 2004, she was transitioning from her work with the group Zero 7 to a solo career. This album marked her second studio effort, following her debut release, Healing Is Difficult, and began to establish her unique voice in the indie pop landscape.

Tracklist

  • 1 Rewrite 4:45
  • 2 Sunday 4:17
  • 3 Breathe Me Start here 4:34
  • 4 The Bully 3:51
  • 5 Sweet Potato 4:00
  • 6 Don’t Bring Me Down 4:25
  • 7 Natale’s Song 2:32
  • 8 Butterflies 3:26
  • 9 Moon 5:02
  • 10 The Church of What’s Happening Now 4:27
  • 11 Numb 4:40
  • 12 Where I Belong 5:45
  • 13 Broken Biscuit 4:55
  • 14 Sea Shells 4:51
  • 15 Breathe Me (Four Tet remix) 5:03
  • 16 Breathe Me (Ulrich Schnauss remix) 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata