Harps and Angels
Randy Newman · 2008
34 min · 10 tracks · blues
A poignant blend of sardonic wit and heartfelt melodies that captures the bittersweet essence of life through Newman’s distinctive storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Harps and Angels Start here — The title track embodies Newman's blend of melancholy and hope, featuring lush arrangements that highlight his lyrical reflections on life and mortality.
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A Few Words in Defense of Our Country — This track exemplifies Newman’s signature satirical style, critiquing American politics with biting humor while maintaining a melodic appeal that draws listeners in.
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Feels Like Home — One of the most emotionally resonant songs on the album, it showcases Newman’s ability to express deep sentimentality paired with relatable imagery about love and belonging.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Newman's sharp lyrics and varied arrangements create a compelling narrative throughout the album.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, gradually layering instrumentation before settling into a steady groove.
- Several tracks, such as 'A Few Words in Defense of Our Country,' employ a conversational vocal style that enhances the storytelling aspect.
- The last three tracks feature a noticeable shift in tempo and mood, with 'Feels Like Home' closing the album on a more reflective note.
- 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
- sardonic wit with lush melodies
- steady reflective listening journey
- personal stories with social commentary
- bittersweet moments of introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Newman's sharp social commentary and melodic prowess, marking a significant artistic moment.
- Career context
- By the time 'Harps and Angels' was released in 2008, Randy Newman had already established himself as a celebrated songwriter and composer, known for his work in film and music. This album marked his first studio release since 1999's 'Land of Dreams', showcasing a return to his roots in songcraft after a nearly decade-long gap, during which he focused on scoring films.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Harry Nilsson· Leonard Cohen· Tom Waits
Tracklist
- 1 Harps and Angels Start here 5:07
- 2 Losing You 2:42
- 3 Laugh and Be Happy 2:19
- 4 A Few Words in Defense of Our Country 4:14
- 5 A Piece of the Pie 2:42
- 6 Easy Street 3:14
- 7 Korean Parents 3:26
- 8 Only a Girl 2:44
- 9 Potholes 3:42
- 10 Feels Like Home 4:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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