Dreams of Breathing Underwater
Eliza Carthy · 2008
46 min · 11 tracks
An eclectic blend of folk, jazz, and pop that weaves intricate narratives through lush instrumentation and Carthy's expressive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Follow the Dollar — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sharp critique of consumerism wrapped in catchy melodies and rhythmic energy.
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Mr. Magnifico — A standout piece that features playful yet poignant lyrics about self-identity, showcasing Carthy's ability to blend humor with depth.
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Hug You Like a Mountain — This tender ballad highlights Carthy's emotive vocal delivery and has become a fan favorite for its heartfelt exploration of love and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and arrangements but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Follow the Dollar', which sets a lively tone that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and brass, creating a rich soundscape that complements Carthy's vocals.
- The lyrical themes shift from personal introspection to broader social commentary, with tracks like 'Mr. Magnifico' employing vivid storytelling.
- The final track, 'Oranges and Seasalt', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering emotional 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- lyrical storytelling with depth
- intricate melodies for close listening
- reflective moments for quiet introspection
- warmth ideal for cozy evenings
- gentle pacing for relaxed afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tempos
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Dreams of Breathing Underwater is Eliza Carthy's fifth studio album, showcasing her continued evolution as a leading figure in contemporary folk music. Following the critically acclaimed Anglicana (2003), this album further solidified her reputation for blending traditional sounds with modern influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kate Rusby· Laura Marling· Bellowhead
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Follow the Dollar 3:40
- 2 Two Tears 4:14
- 3 Rows of Angels 3:12
- 4 Rosalie 3:43
- 5 Mr. Magnifico 6:06
- 6 Like I Care (Wings) 3:28
- 7 Lavenders 4:19
- 8 Little Bigman 4:58
- 9 Simple Things 4:19
- 10 Hug You Like a Mountain 4:30
- 11 Oranges and Seasalt 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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