What makes Ellipse by Imogen Heap notable?

The album received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise from publications like The Guardian and Pitchfork for its innovative production techniques. It also earned Heap a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, solidifying her influence in the music industry as an avant-garde artist and inspiring subsequent musicians in electronica and indie pop. Ellipse marked Imogen Heap's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed release Speak for Yourself. At this point in her career, Heap had established herself as a pioneer in blending electronic and acoustic elements, further pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression after the commercial success of her earlier work.

Ellipse works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, atmospheric background focus and introspective and reflective moods.

How many songs are on Ellipse?

Ellipse has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Ellipse

Imogen Heap · 2009

48 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of electronic textures entwined with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that invites introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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First Train Home — Opening with delicate piano and layered harmonies, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of longing and connection through its intricate production.
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Wait It Out — This track stands out for its message of resilience, using a mix of organic sounds and electronic beats to convey a sense of hope amid uncertainty.
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Little Bird — Featuring an airy melody interwoven with vocal loops, this song showcases Heap's unique ability to blend personal storytelling with experimental sound design.
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Tidal — The rhythmic pulse and immersive sound layers create an atmosphere that feels both expansive and intimate, reflecting the emotional tides of human experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Ellipse showcases innovative production and unique song structures, making it a standout in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a layered vocal harmony that builds gradually, introducing electronic elements before the beat drops.
Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as 'Tidal,' which shifts between different sections without a clear chorus.
The album employs a wide range of textures, with tracks like 'Little Bird' using both acoustic instruments and digital sounds to create contrast.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
introspective and reflective moods
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: Ellipse marked Imogen Heap's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed release Speak for Yourself. At this point in her career, Heap had established herself as a pioneer in blending electronic and acoustic elements, further pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression after the commercial success of her earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Frou Frou· Bat for Lashes· Lana Del Rey