Herd Runners
Cherry Ghost · 2014
44 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
Ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics blend seamlessly with lush instrumentation, creating a contemplative landscape of sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Clear Skies Ever Closer — This opening track sets an intimate tone with its reflective lyrics and delicate arrangement, establishing the album's emotional core immediately.
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Drinking for Two — The song stands out for its poignant exploration of longing and regret, combining evocative imagery with a haunting melody that lingers with the listener.
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Herd Runners — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of connection and searching, featuring layered vocals and rich instrumentation that create a compelling listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth but lacks standout production elements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric sound.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal narratives, enhancing the emotional weight of the melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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 pacing for reflective moments
- melancholic melodies for introspective vibes
- consistent journey with emotional depth
- vibrant instrumentation for immersive experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 19, 2014, 'Herd Runners' is Cherry Ghost's third album, following their 2010 release 'Beneath This Burning Shoreline'. At this point in their career, the band sought to refine their sound while maintaining the emotive storytelling that characterized their previous work, exploring new sonic textures and arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elbow· James Blake· The National
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clear Skies Ever Closer 3:55
- 2 Don’t Leave Me Here Alone 4:15
- 3 Fragile Reign 5:06
- 4 Sacramento 5:21
- 5 The World Could Turn 4:52
- 6 Drinking for Two 5:02
- 7 Herd Runners 5:43
- 8 My Lover Lies Under 3:37
- 9 Love Will Follow You 3:55
- 10 Joanne 3:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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