Hendra
Ben Watt · 2014
44 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of folk-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hendra — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of memory and place, setting the reflective tone that permeates throughout the record.
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Forget — This track delves into themes of loss and acceptance, featuring poignant lyrics that highlight Watt's matured songwriting ability.
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The Gun — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song stands out for its raw emotional depth and lyrical storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hendra showcases strong songwriting and production, creating a reflective and cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a slow tempo with layered acoustic guitar and soft vocals, setting a reflective tone that persists throughout.
- Several tracks feature a recurring motif of introspective lyrics paired with folk-inflected melodies, creating a cohesive emotional landscape.
- The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only minor variations in dynamics that contribute to its overall contemplative feel.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- steady mid-tempo flow for contemplation
- nostalgic melodies that evoke longing
- for evening wind-downs
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Hendra marks Ben Watt's first solo studio album in over 30 years, following his work with Everything But The Girl. Released in 2014, it showcases his artistic evolution after a lengthy hiatus from solo projects, allowing him to explore personal themes with a matured perspective.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tracey Thorn· Nick Drake· The Innocence Mission
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hendra 3:23
- 2 Forget 5:13
- 3 Spring 3:55
- 4 Golden Ratio 5:13
- 5 Matthew Arnold’s Field 4:31
- 6 The Gun 5:34
- 7 Nathaniel 4:46
- 8 The Levels 3:59
- 9 Young Man’s Game 2:52
- 10 The Heart Is a Mirror 4:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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