Ghosteen cover

Ghosteen

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · 2019

68 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk · experimental rock

A haunting exploration of loss and healing, layered with ethereal instrumentation and poetic storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting exploration of loss
  • patient unfolding of themes
  • two-halves for reflective listening
  • gradual build to emotional climax
  • ethereal instrumentation for introspection

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents an artistic high point, exploring profound themes with ethereal soundscapes.
Themes
personal tragedy· dreamlike mourning· spiritual journey
Career context
Released on October 4, 2019, 'Ghosteen' is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' seventeenth studio album, following their acclaimed 2016 release 'Skeleton Tree.' This album emerged after a period marked by profound personal tragedy for Cave, specifically the death of his son Arthur, which influenced its introspective themes.
Stylistic neighbors
The Birthday Party· Swans· Tom Waits
If this clicks, go next to
Skeleton Tree — Continues themes of loss and introspection with a similarly haunting sound.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens — Explores grief and memory with delicate instrumentation and intimate storytelling.
A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead — Shares a lush, atmospheric soundscape with themes of loss and existential reflection.
Sleep Well Beast by The National — Blends introspective lyrics with a haunting sound, exploring themes of love and uncertainty.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Spinning Song".

Disc 1

  • 1 Spinning Song Start here 4:43
  • 2 Bright Horses 4:52
  • 3 Waiting for You 3:54
  • 4 Night Raid 5:07
  • 5 Sun Forest 6:46
  • 6 Galleon Ship 4:14
  • 7 Ghosteen Speaks 4:02
  • 8 Leviathan 4:48

Disc 2

  • 1 Ghosteen 12:10
  • 2 Fireflies 3:23
  • 3 Hollywood 14:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata