Released 20 years ago
Funnel Cloud
Hem · 2006
46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A melancholic blend of folk-infused melodies and introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that resonates with quiet yearning.
Top tracks — play these first
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We'll Meet Along the Way — Opening with gentle instrumentation, this track sets a contemplative tone for the album while encapsulating the themes of longing and connection that permeate throughout.
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The Pills Stopped Working — This song delves into personal struggle, blending haunting melodies with evocative lyrics that reflect on feelings of despair and resilience, making it a standout in the album's narrative arc.
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Hotel Fire — With its vivid storytelling and rich imagery, this track effectively captures a moment of crisis and reflection, showcasing Hem's strength in lyrical craft.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate arrangements with reflective storytelling, making it a solid entry in Hem's discography.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of layered strings and soft percussion, creating a lush backdrop for the vocals.
- Several tracks employ a slow build, starting with minimal instrumentation before adding layers, particularly in the choruses.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- ethereal melodies for quiet moments
- introspective reflections during solitude
- gentle pacing for thoughtful listening
- haunting soundscapes inviting contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Funnel Cloud is Hem's third studio album, released in 2006 following their acclaimed record Rabbit Songs. At this point, the band was solidifying their signature sound, marked by lush instrumentation and poignant storytelling, further establishing their place in the alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Innocence Mission· Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 We'll Meet Along the Way 2:04
- 2 He Came to Meet Me 4:23
- 3 Not California 4:13
- 4 Funnel Cloud 3:16
- 5 Too Late to Turn Back Now 3:06
- 6 The Pills Stopped Working 4:47
- 7 Hotel Fire 3:51
- 8 Great Houses of New York 3:11
- 9 Curtains 3:03
- 10 Old Adam 2:39
- 11 The Burnt-Over District 2:33
- 12 Reservoir 3:19
- 13 I'll Dream of You Tonight 3:58
- 14 Almost Home 2:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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