Far cover

Far

Regina Spektor · 2009

47 min · 13 tracks · indie pop

Whimsical melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a tapestry of emotional landscapes and quirky charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Calculation Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Eet — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful melody and introspective lyrics that explore themes of longing and nostalgia. Its unique arrangement blends elements of pop and classical influences, showcasing Spektor's eclectic style.
  • →
    Laughing With — The song offers a poignant reflection on human existence and the complexities of faith, contrasting lighthearted moments with deeper existential questions. Its lyrical depth paired with a simple yet powerful piano accompaniment highlights Spektor's storytelling prowess.
  • →
    Blue Lips — With its lush instrumentation and enigmatic lyrics, Blue Lips captures a sense of melancholy while pushing musical boundaries. The track's cinematic quality immerses listeners in an evocative narrative that lingers long after the song ends.
  • →
    Two Birds — This track features a playful arrangement and clever wordplay that conveys themes of love and connection through metaphors of nature. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with the reflective lyrics, embodying Spektor's knack for blending joy with introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive songwriting and production, balancing whimsical melodies with introspective themes.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and playful instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Two Birds,' which shifts between different melodies and rhythms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • whimsical, playful exploration
  • poignant emotional reflections
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its whimsical sound and lyrical depth, though not a primary entry point.
Career context
Released in 2009, Far is Regina Spektor's fourth studio album and follows her breakthrough record Begin to Hope from 2006. At this point in her career, she was gaining wider recognition in the mainstream music scene while maintaining her signature indie sensibilities. The album showcases her evolution as a songwriter and performer, building on the success of her previous works.
Stylistic neighbors
Fiona Apple· Norah Jones· Imogen Heap

Tracklist

  • 1 The Calculation Start here 3:11
  • 2 Eet 3:52
  • 3 Blue Lips 3:34
  • 4 Folding Chair 3:35
  • 5 Machine 3:55
  • 6 Laughing With 3:17
  • 7 Human of the Year 4:07
  • 8 Two Birds 3:18
  • 9 Dance Anthem of the 80’s 3:43
  • 10 Genius Next Door 5:06
  • 11 Wallet 2:28
  • 12 One More Time With Feeling 3:59
  • 13 Man of a Thousand Faces 3:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata