Hadsel
Beirut · 2023
47 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk melodies and intricate arrangements that evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hadsel — The title track sets the tone with its sweeping orchestration and reflective lyrics, encapsulating the thematic essence of the album.
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So Many Plans — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and intricate brass arrangements, highlighting Condon's knack for merging joy with melancholy.
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January 18th — A contemplative piece that showcases intimate lyricism paired with minimalistic instrumentation, allowing vulnerability to shine through.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and personal storytelling, marking a mature evolution in Beirut's sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building in complexity over its duration.
- Several tracks incorporate non-traditional folk instruments, creating a rich sonic landscape that diverges from typical genre expectations.
- The lyrical themes often reflect personal narratives intertwined with broader cultural references, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the music.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo exploration
- evocative storytelling through sound
- rich instrumentation for immersion
- for reflective moments
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Hadsel marks Beirut's fifth studio album, following the acclaimed Gallipoli released in 2019. At this point, Zach Condon has continued to refine his eclectic sound, blending global influences with personal storytelling, demonstrating growth as both a composer and lyricist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hadsel 4:55
- 2 Arctic Forest 3:55
- 3 Baion 4:06
- 4 So Many Plans 3:47
- 5 Melbu 2:20
- 6 Stokmarknes 4:10
- 7 Island Life 4:08
- 8 Spillhaugen 3:41
- 9 January 18th 3:41
- 10 Süddeutsches Ton‐Bild‐Studio 5:22
- 11 The Tern 4:14
- 12 Regulatory 3:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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