What makes Head of Roses by Jenn Wasner notable?

Head of Roses received widespread acclaim, earning spots on numerous year-end lists and solidifying Wasner's status as a significant voice in contemporary indie music. The album's introspective themes and intricate arrangements have influenced the indie rock scene, drawing comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Released on April 2, 2021, Head of Roses marks Jenn Wasner's first solo album under her own name, following her work with Wye Oak. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a well-regarded indie band to a fully realized solo artist, showcasing her evolution in songcraft and personal storytelling.

How many songs are on Head of Roses?

Head of Roses has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Head of Roses

Jenn Wasner · 2021

40 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A tapestry of intimate melodies and introspective lyrics woven through lush instrumentation and nuanced vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Price of Blue — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and poignant exploration of loss and longing, encapsulating the album's emotional depth.
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Lightning — With its driving rhythm and vibrant instrumentation, this song captures a sense of urgency that contrasts beautifully with the reflective nature of other tracks.
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Head of Roses — The title track serves as an anchor for the album, blending lyrical vulnerability with a rich sonic landscape that showcases Wasner's growth as a songwriter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics, establishing Jenn Wasner's distinct voice in indie rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a layered arrangement, featuring intricate guitar lines and harmonized vocals that establish a rich sonic texture.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as 'Lightning,' which builds from a soft verse to a powerful chorus, creating emotional peaks.
The lyrics often reflect personal introspection, with recurring themes of vulnerability and self-discovery woven throughout the ten tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 2 Heads 3:01
2 Price of Blue 6:22
3 Two 3:38
4 Hard Way 3:13
5 Walking 3:47
6 Lightning 4:15
7 One More Hour 3:43
8 No Question 4:08
9 Awake for the Sunrise 3:58
10 Head of Roses 4:35

What to play next

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Go back to

If You See Me, Say Yes

2016

Full Jenn Wasner discography Artists like Jenn Wasner

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata