Hana
Sophie Ellis-Bextor · 2023
50 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A shimmering blend of disco beats and introspective lyrics, inviting listeners to dance while contemplating life's complexities.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Thousand Orchids Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush instrumentation and contemplative lyrics about growth and transformation.
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Breaking the Circle — The song's infectious chorus and driving beat encapsulate the album's theme of breaking free from constraints, making it a standout anthem.
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Until the Wheels Fall Off — With its upbeat tempo and uplifting message about perseverance, this track showcases Ellis-Bextor's ability to blend positivity with catchy melodies.
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Tokyo — A vibrant homage to adventure and escapism, this track contrasts energetic beats with reflective lyrics about longing for connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends danceable beats with introspective themes, showcasing strong production and engaging songwriting.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered vocals and a steady disco beat, setting a danceable yet reflective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected key changes, which add complexity to the melodies and keep the listener engaged.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing more introspective lyrics and minimalist arrangements that contrast with earlier upbeat songs.
- 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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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 flow for reflective moments
- danceable beats with contemplative lyrics
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- uplifting tunes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer aggressive, high-energy music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in her pop sound after several albums.
- Career context
- Released on June 2, 2023, 'Hana' is Sophie Ellis-Bextor's seventh studio album, following her 2021 project 'Songs from the Kitchen Disco'. This album marks a return to her pop roots while exploring new sonic landscapes, showcasing her evolution as both an artist and a songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robyn· Dua Lipa· Kylie Minogue
Tracklist
- 1 A Thousand Orchids Start here 4:35
- 2 Breaking the Circle 4:13
- 3 Until the Wheels Fall Off 4:07
- 4 Everything Is Sweet 4:49
- 5 Lost in the Sunshine 4:03
- 6 Tokyo 3:23
- 7 Beyond the Universe 4:13
- 8 He’s a Dreamer 5:05
- 9 Reflections 3:21
- 10 Hearing in Colour 4:00
- 11 Broken Toy 3:31
- 12 We’ve Been Watching You 4:37
What to play next
Familia
2016
Continues the blend of danceable beats and personal themes found in Hana.
Songs From the Kitchen Disco
2020
Sets the stage with a vibrant disco sound that leads into Hana's energy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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