English Rain
Gabrielle Aplin · 2013
44 min · 12 tracks · traditional folk music
A delicate blend of folk melodies and introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric soundscape that resonates with emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Panic Cord Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Please Don't Say You Love Me — This track exemplifies Aplin's lyrical vulnerability as she navigates the complexities of love and uncertainty, balancing heartfelt emotion with a catchy melody.
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Home — With its evocative imagery and nostalgic themes, this song captures Aplin's signature style, resonating with listeners seeking comfort and familiarity.
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The Power of Love — A cover of the classic ballad, Aplin's rendition infuses new life into the song while showcasing her vocal range and emotional delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional resonance of the lyrics.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and piano, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that complements the lyrical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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
- intimate moments of reflection
- steady melodic journey throughout
- thoughtful lyrics for contemplation
- cathartic release in quiet spaces
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut studio album that established her reputation and achieved commercial success.
- Themes
- nostalgic imagery· British folk traditions
- Career context
- Released in 2013, English Rain is Gabrielle Aplin's debut studio album following her success with viral hits on YouTube and the EP, Never Fade. At this point, she was transitioning from a burgeoning online presence to mainstream recognition, showcasing her vulnerability and artistry within a polished production framework.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucy Rose· Birdy· Laura Marling
Tracklist
- 1 Panic Cord Start here 3:25
- 2 Keep on Walking 2:52
- 3 Please Don't Say You Love Me 3:00
- 4 How Do You Feel Today? 3:46
- 5 Home 4:07
- 6 Salvation 4:10
- 7 Ready to Question 3:18
- 8 The Power of Love 4:06
- 9 Alive 4:11
- 10 Human 3:26
- 11 November 4:06
- 12 Start of Time 4:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Once I Was An Eagle
Laura Marling
Features introspective lyrics and a similar atmospheric folk sound with a strong British influence.
Every Kingdom
Ben Howard
Blends emotive storytelling and lush acoustic arrangements, creating a reflective listening experience.
Birdy
Birdy
Captures delicate melodies and emotional depth, resonating with themes of nostalgia and vulnerability.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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