Goldenheart
Dawn Richard · 2013
63 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B
A lush tapestry of contemporary R&B, intertwining ethereal vocals with intricate production and bold lyrical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Return of a Queen — This track serves as an empowering anthem celebrating resilience and self-identity, setting the thematic tone for the album's exploration of strength.
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Goliath — With its striking production and metaphorical lyrics about overcoming obstacles, this song encapsulates Richard's artistic growth and vulnerability.
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Pretty Wicked Things — The haunting melodies and introspective lyrics delve into the complexities of love and desire, showcasing Richard's vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with cohesive themes and engaging arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by a strong mid-tempo track that establishes the vocal style.
- Tracks feature layered harmonies and intricate production elements, often shifting dynamics within songs to maintain listener engagement.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- bold narratives with emotional depth
- exploratory soundscapes for reflection
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- late-night introspection and contemplation
- anthemic moments for empowerment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, single-focused tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Goldenheart' was released in January 2013, Dawn Richard was transitioning from her work with Danity Kane to a solo career. This debut full-length album marked a significant moment after her previous EPs, showcasing her artistic vision and independence as she sought to redefine herself away from the pop girl group image.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kelela· Janelle Monáe· SZA
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (In the Hearts Tonight) 3:12
- 2 Return of a Queen 4:27
- 3 Goliath 2:29
- 4 Riot 3:31
- 5 Gleaux 4:43
- 6 Pretty Wicked Things 4:32
- 7 Northern Lights 3:43
- 8 Frequency 3:14
- 9 Warfaire 3:18
- 10 Tug of War 3:58
- 11 Ode to You 4:13
- 12 86 3:22
- 13 In Your Eyes 3:30
- 14 Break of Dawn 6:00
- 15 [300] 4:14
- 16 Goldenheart 5:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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