What makes For My Crimes by Marissa Nadler notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, with publications like Pitchfork praising its emotional depth and lyrical vulnerability. It further solidified Nadler's reputation as an influential artist within the folk genre, contributing to her growing fanbase and critical acclaim in the indie music scene. For My Crimes is Marissa Nadler's sixth studio album, released in 2018 after a series of critically acclaimed records that established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary folk. At this point in her career, she was exploring themes of love and loss while continuing to refine her atmospheric soundscapes, following her 2016 release, Strangers.

Who is For My Crimes for?

For My Crimes works well if you're into introspective moments of solitude, gentle pacing for reflective listening and haunting vocals with ethereal melodies.

How many songs are on For My Crimes?

For My Crimes has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

For My Crimes

Marissa Nadler · 2018

34 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

Ethereal melodies and haunting vocals intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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For My Crimes — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of regret and longing, showcasing Nadler's ethereal vocal delivery against sparse instrumentation that enhances its emotional weight.
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I Can’t Listen to Gene Clark Anymore — This track stands out for its reflective quality, blending personal narrative with cultural references that resonate deeply, illustrating the intersection of nostalgia and heartbreak.
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Lover Release Me — With its poignant lyrics and subtle arrangement, this song highlights Nadler's ability to convey vulnerability, making it one of the most impactful moments on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends ethereal melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent use of layered vocals and gentle instrumentation, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements and dynamics.
Several tracks employ a slow tempo, with sparse instrumentation that allows Nadler's voice to take center stage, creating an intimate atmosphere.

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

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

introspective moments of solitude
gentle pacing for reflective listening
haunting vocals with ethereal melodies
short tracks for focused attention

Maybe skip if you

seek upbeat party atmosphere
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: For My Crimes is Marissa Nadler's sixth studio album, released in 2018 after a series of critically acclaimed records that established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary folk. At this point in her career, she was exploring themes of love and loss while continuing to refine her atmospheric soundscapes, following her 2016 release, Strangers.
Stylistic neighbors: Julie Byrne· Angel Olsen· Nadia Reid