Crushing
Julia Jacklin · 2019
39 min · 10 tracks · art pop
A poignant exploration of heartbreak wrapped in lush melodies and introspective lyrics that resonate with vulnerability and strength.
Top tracks — play these first
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Head Alone — This track encapsulates the album's themes of isolation and independence, featuring a striking balance between raw emotion and catchy instrumentation that invites listeners into her introspective world.
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Pressure to Party — With its upbeat tempo contrasting with the weighty subject matter, this song cleverly critiques societal expectations around grief and moving on, making it both relatable and catchy.
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Good Guy — The sharp lyrics dissect gender dynamics in relationships, showcasing Jacklin's skillful storytelling while blending vulnerability with assertiveness, making it a standout moment on the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, effectively exploring themes of heartbreak and identity.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the emotional tone.
- Each song features layered instrumentation, often building from sparse arrangements to fuller soundscapes by the chorus.
- Lyrically, the album employs vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, with several tracks featuring repeated phrases that enhance their thematic resonance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective reflections on heartbreak
- uplifting moments amidst vulnerability
- short tracks for quick engagement
- poignant melodies for emotional release
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer straightforward anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Crushing is Julia Jacklin's second album, released two years after her critically acclaimed debut, Don't Let the Kids Win. This album marks a significant evolution in her songwriting, showcasing deeper emotional narratives and a more refined sound as she navigated personal experiences and industry expectations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Margaret Glaspy· Lucy Dacus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Body 5:07
- 2 Head Alone 2:58
- 3 Pressure to Party 3:02
- 4 Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You 5:33
- 5 When the Family Flies In 4:00
- 6 Convention 3:16
- 7 Good Guy 4:12
- 8 You Were Right 2:22
- 9 Turn Me Down 5:50
- 10 Comfort 3:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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