Havasu cover

Havasu

Pedro the Lion · 2022

39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A reflective exploration of personal growth wrapped in intricate melodies and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    First Drum Set — This track encapsulates nostalgia for childhood dreams and aspirations, using vivid imagery to reflect on formative experiences that shaped the narrator's identity.
  • →
    Own Valentine — The song captures the complexities of self-love and acceptance, intertwining personal narrative with universal themes, making it relatable while maintaining emotional nuance.
  • →
    Good Feeling — This track stands out for its upbeat instrumentation contrasted against introspective lyrics, balancing joy and melancholy as it explores fleeting moments of happiness.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective lyrics with intricate melodies, creating a reflective listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements.
  • Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, with guitars and synths intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
  • Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal growth and introspection, often using metaphorical language.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 pacing for thoughtful reflection
  • melodic exploration of personal themes
  • mid-tempo rhythms for easy listening
  • ideal for introspective evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 20, 2022, 'Havasu' marks Pedro the Lion's first album since their reunion in 2018 after a long hiatus. This album comes five years after 'Phoenix', showcasing a return to form with a matured sound that reflects frontman David Bazan's evolving artistry and life experiences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Don’t Wanna Move 4:03
  • 2 Too Much 3:29
  • 3 First Drum Set 5:17
  • 4 Teenage Sequencer 4:16
  • 5 Own Valentine 3:17
  • 6 Making the Most of It 3:57
  • 7 Old Wisdom 3:21
  • 8 Stranger 4:33
  • 9 Good Feeling 4:46
  • 10 Lost Myself 2:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata