Different Kinds of Light cover

Different Kinds of Light

Jade Bird · 2021

42 min · 15 tracks · indie folk

A vibrant blend of Americana and indie folk, infused with a youthful energy and introspective storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Open Up the Heavens — This track stands out for its infectious energy and anthemic chorus, encapsulating the album's themes of yearning for connection and hope.
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    Punchline — With its clever lyrics and catchy melody, this song reflects a playful yet poignant take on relationships, making it a highlight of the album.
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    Different Kinds of Light — The title track offers a thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging, anchored by Jade's emotive vocal delivery that resonates deeply throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting but lacks full cohesion in its pacing and flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into more upbeat songs.
  • Several tracks feature layered harmonies and call-and-response vocals, creating a dynamic interplay between the singer and backing vocals.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for introspective moments that contrast with the earlier energy.
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
5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective lyrics for deep thinking
  • vibrant melodies for uplifting moods
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • consistent flow for seamless listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2021, Different Kinds of Light is Jade Bird's sophomore album, following her self-titled debut in 2019. At this point in her career, she was expanding her musical palette and solidifying her presence in the indie music scene, showcasing growth as both a songwriter and performer.
Stylistic neighbors
Brandi Carlile· Phoebe Bridgers· Maggie Rogers

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Trick Mirror

    The perspective shifts from external observations to an internal monologue reveals deep self-reflection about societal expectations.

    This shift allows listeners to engage with the personal ramifications of the broader themes presented earlier, enhancing the emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 DKOL 1:33
  • 2 Open Up the Heavens 2:41
  • 3 Honeymoon 2:50
  • 4 Punchline 3:14
  • 5 Different Kinds of Light 3:05
  • 6 Trick Mirror 2:33
  • 7 I’m Getting Lost 3:01
  • 8 Houdini 3:16
  • 9 1994 2:14
  • 10 Now Is the Time 3:35
  • 11 Candidate 2:29
  • 12 Red White and Blue 2:41
  • 13 Rely On 3:47
  • 14 Prototype 3:16
  • 15 Headstart 2:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata