Downward Is Heavenward
Hum · 1998
51 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A swirling blend of heavy guitars and ethereal melodies drifts through layers of introspective lyrics and expansive soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Isle of the Cheetah — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar work and haunting vocals, encapsulating the band's signature blend of heaviness and dreaminess.
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Ms. Lazarus — This track showcases Hum's ability to combine melodic hooks with heavy instrumentation, creating a memorable chorus that reflects themes of longing and transformation.
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Dreamboat — With its atmospheric buildup and introspective lyrics, this track serves as a highlight of the album, illustrating the emotional depth and sonic exploration that Hum is known for.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's layered soundscapes and dynamic shifts create a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features dense layers of guitar textures that create a wall of sound, often contrasting with softer, melodic sections.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet introspection to explosive choruses, particularly evident in 'Ms. Lazarus' and 'Apollo'.
- The lyrics are abstract and introspective, often delivered in a detached vocal style that complements the ethereal instrumentation.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 1, 1998, 'Downward Is Heavenward' was Hum's third studio album, coming after their breakthrough record 'You'd Prefer an Astronaut'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound within the alternative rock scene, following a brief hiatus due to lineup changes and personal struggles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Failure· Catherine Wheel· My Bloody Valentine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Isle of the Cheetah 6:37
- 2 Comin’ Home 2:45
- 3 If You Are to Bloom 5:10
- 4 Ms. Lazarus 3:37
- 5 Afternoon With the Axolotls 6:26
- 6 Green to Me 3:55
- 7 Dreamboat 6:06
- 8 The Inuit Promise 6:06
- 9 Apollo 5:46
- 10 The Scientists 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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