Compass cover

Compass

Jamie Lidell · 2010

50 min · 14 tracks · soul

A vibrant fusion of soul, electronica, and techno that showcases Lidell's eclectic vocal range and innovative production techniques.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Completely Exposed — Opening the album with an infectious groove, this track sets the tone for the exploration of vulnerability and connection that permeates the record.
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    Your Sweet Boom — This track showcases Lidell's ability to blend catchy melodies with intricate rhythms, encapsulating the playful yet sophisticated essence of the album.
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    I Wanna Be Your Telephone — Combining whimsical lyrics with a soulful backdrop, this song stands out for its clever metaphorical exploration of communication and intimacy.
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    I Can Love Again — With its upbeat tempo and optimistic message, this track highlights Lidell's knack for infusing joy into his music, making it a memorable moment on the album.

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 showcases innovative production and diverse vocal techniques but has a mixed flow and depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that blend electronic beats with soulful melodies, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tempos.
  • Lidell employs a wide vocal range, often layering his voice in harmonies and effects, which creates a rich texture throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and unexpected instrumental breaks, enhancing the album's eclectic feel.
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 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Completely Exposed 3:24
  • 2 Your Sweet Boom 3:13
  • 3 She Needs Me 5:55
  • 4 I Wanna Be Your Telephone 3:29
  • 5 Enough’s Enough 2:55
  • 6 The Ring 3:44
  • 7 You Are Waking 3:42
  • 8 I Can Love Again 2:10
  • 9 It’s a Kiss 3:47
  • 10 Compass 5:33
  • 11 Gypsy Blood 2:16
  • 12 Coma Chameleon 3:20
  • 13 Big Drift 4:45
  • 14 You See My Light 2:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata