Crack-Up
Fleet Foxes · 2017
55 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A sprawling exploration of existential themes wrapped in intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its layered instrumentation and philosophical musings on identity and self-reliance.
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Third of May / Ōdaigahara — This song captures the essence of nostalgia through its sweeping melodies and vivid imagery, reflecting on personal experiences with emotional weight.
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Fool’s Errand — With its intricate vocal harmonies and reflective lyrics about unfulfilled dreams, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend beauty with melancholy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious songwriting and intricate arrangements, though its length and complexity may challenge casual listeners.
What we noticed
- The album features several multi-part tracks, with 'I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar' comprising three distinct sections that shift in mood and instrumentation.
- Harmonies are layered throughout, often featuring multiple vocal lines interweaving rather than a single lead, creating a rich texture.
- The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with many tracks exceeding five minutes and incorporating extended instrumental passages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- introspective moments for deep reflection
- rich harmonies for immersive listening
- patient unfolding of layered melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek straightforward, upbeat songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 16, 2017, Crack-Up is Fleet Foxes' third studio album, coming six years after their previous release, Helplessness Blues. The band had undergone significant lineup changes and leader Robin Pecknold's personal growth during this hiatus shaped the album's introspective nature. This record marked a shift in their sound, embracing more complex arrangements and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar 6:25
- 2 Cassius, - 4:50
- 3 - Naiads, Cassadies 3:11
- 4 Kept Woman 3:55
- 5 Third of May / Ōdaigahara 8:48
- 6 If You Need To, Keep Time on Me 3:31
- 7 Mearcstapa 4:10
- 8 On Another Ocean (January / June) 4:23
- 9 Fool’s Errand 4:48
- 10 I Should See Memphis 4:44
- 11 Crack-Up 6:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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