Gajah (Tulus album) cover

Gajah (Tulus album)

Tulus · 2014

31 min · 9 tracks · jazz

Warm melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating an intimate soundscape that embodies contemporary Indonesian pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gajah — The title track stands out for its poignant storytelling and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the emotional depth that characterizes Tulus's artistry.
  • →
    Sepatu — With its catchy melody and relatable themes of longing and nostalgia, this track exemplifies Tulus's ability to weave personal narratives into universally appealing music.
  • →
    Jangan Cintai Aku Apa Adanya — This song showcases Tulus's vocal range and lyrical vulnerability, offering a candid exploration of love and acceptance that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop elements effectively, showcasing strong melodies and thoughtful arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature intricate piano melodies accompanied by soft percussion, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Tracks six through nine incorporate more complex arrangements with layered instrumentation, creating a richer sound as the album progresses.
  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only one track featuring a noticeable tempo shift that introduces a brief moment of contrast.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • warm melodies for cozy evenings
  • intimate moments of reflection
  • short bursts of heartfelt emotion
  • easy listening during quiet afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lengthy musical explorations
  • prefer high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When Tulus released 'Gajah' in January 2014, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Indonesian music scene following his debut album in 2011. This sophomore effort solidified his unique style, blending jazz and pop influences, while showcasing his growth as a songwriter and performer.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Anderson .Paak· Hiatus Kaiyote

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Gajah

    The moment shifts from a personal reflection to a broader commentary on societal expectations, revealing deeper truths about identity and belonging.

    This transition broadens the emotional impact of the song, allowing listeners to connect their individual experiences to larger themes within Indonesian society.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Baru 2:58
  • 2 Bumerang 3:58
  • 3 Sepatu 3:39
  • 4 Bunga Tidur 3:31
  • 5 Tanggal Merah 2:22
  • 6 Gajah 3:59
  • 7 Lagu untuk Matahari 3:41
  • 8 Satu Hari di Bulan Juni 3:15
  • 9 Jangan Cintai Aku Apa Adanya 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata