Crown Electric cover

Crown Electric

Kathryn Williams · 2013

50 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A delicate blend of folk-infused melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of quiet contemplation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gave It Away — This track features poignant storytelling, highlighting Williams' ability to convey vulnerability through simple yet evocative imagery. Its melodic structure serves as a standout representation of the album's overall sound.
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    Heart Shaped Stone — With its rich instrumentation and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's emotional core and showcases Williams' skill in blending personal narrative with broader themes.
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    Darkness Light — This track introduces a dynamic shift in tone, exploring themes of duality and hope amidst uncertainty, making it a pivotal moment on the record.
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    Monday Morning — The song's gentle melody paired with introspective lyrics evokes a feeling of nostalgia and longing, effectively illustrating Williams' lyrical strength.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with varied emotional tones, though it remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Heart Shaped Stone' and 'Darkness Light'.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal reflection, with a notable shift in tone from introspective to more uplifting in the final tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • wistful nostalgia in acoustic arrangements
  • gentle melodies for quiet moments
  • delicate storytelling for introspective listening
  • morning reflections with soft instrumentation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer straightforward, catchy songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Crown Electric is Kathryn Williams' sixth studio album, following her acclaimed release, The Quickening, in 2012. At this juncture, she was further establishing her voice within the British folk scene, blending traditional influences with contemporary themes. This album showcases her continued evolution as a songwriter, deepening her exploration of personal and emotional landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Lisa Hannigan· Laura Marling· Nick Drake

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Known

    The bridge shifts perspective to confront past choices directly, bringing an air of urgency to the reflection.

    This structural choice allows for an emotional pivot that underlines the weight of hindsight, adding depth to the song's narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Underground 3:41
  • 2 Gave It Away 3:21
  • 3 Heart Shaped Stone 3:37
  • 4 Count 3:31
  • 5 Out of Time 3:33
  • 6 Monday Morning 3:36
  • 7 Darkness Light 3:40
  • 8 Picture Book 4:51
  • 9 Morning Twilight 4:51
  • 10 Arwen 3:18
  • 11 Tequila 3:36
  • 12 Sequins 4:55
  • 13 The Known 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata