Half-Breed
Cher · 1973
29 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A blend of folk-rock storytelling and pop sensibilities, laced with themes of identity and societal challenges.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves Start here — This track showcases Cher's ability to weave narrative storytelling with catchy melodies, addressing themes of social stigma and life on the fringes of society.
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Half-Breed — The title track confronts issues of racial identity and discrimination, making it a bold statement piece that resonates deeply with themes of belonging.
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Dark Lady — With its mysterious narrative and engaging melody, this song highlights Cher's vocal prowess while further exploring complex themes of fate and love.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cher's powerful vocals and thematic storytelling create a distinctive blend of folk and pop.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling lyrics that reflect personal and societal themes, particularly in 'Half-Breed' and 'Dark Lady'.
- The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only a few tracks varying significantly in tempo or mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- emotive storytelling through song
- for casual sing-alongs
- mid-tempo flow for easy listening
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Cher's solo success and featured a signature hit.
- Themes
- mixed heritage struggle· societal prejudice· narrative-driven mystique
- Career context
- In 1973, Cher was transitioning from her earlier work as half of the duo Sonny & Cher to a solo artist. 'Half-Breed' was her second solo album, following the commercially successful 'Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves,' which established her as a prominent figure in pop music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Madonna· Diana Ross· Kylie Minogue
Tracklist
- 1 Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves Start here 2:40
- 2 Don't Hide Your Love 2:51
- 3 The First Time 3:14
- 4 Let Me Down Easy 2:31
- 5 Half-Breed 2:46
- 6 Dark Lady 3:29
- 7 Carousel Man 3:05
- 8 Song for You 3:17
- 9 Train of Thought 2:35
- 10 The Way of Love 2:32
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Shares introspective storytelling and emotional depth with a folk-pop sensibility.
Heart Like a Wheel
Linda Ronstadt
Combines powerful vocals with themes of personal struggle and resilience in a folk-rock context.
Harvest
Neil Young
Explores narratives of personal and societal struggles with a blend of rock and folk elements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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