Here Is What Is
Daniel Lanois · 2007
63 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
A meditative blend of ambient soundscapes and introspective songwriting that explores the tension between beauty and melancholy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Where Will I Be — This track stands out for its haunting melody and lyrical vulnerability, encapsulating the album's core themes of uncertainty and longing.
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Not Fighting Anymore — The song's reflective nature and layered instrumentation create an immersive experience, showcasing Lanois' ability to fuse emotion with texture.
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Lovechild — At over eight minutes, this track allows Lanois to fully explore his ambient soundscapes while weaving personal narratives that resonate throughout the album.
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Sacred and Secular — This piece masterfully contrasts spiritual themes with everyday experiences, highlighting Lanois' skill in blending the profound with the mundane.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends ambient soundscapes with introspective songwriting, creating a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a meditative tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually introduce more rhythmic elements.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that contrasts with the sparse vocal delivery.
- The final three tracks shift towards a more ambient and introspective feel, allowing the listener to reflect on the preceding material.
- 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
- serene contemplation during introspection
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing for reflective moments
- short tracks for focused listening
- ideal for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Here Is What Is' was released in 2007, Daniel Lanois had established himself as a prominent producer and artist, known for his work with U2 and Bob Dylan. This album arrived as a follow-up to his previous project, 'Belladonna,' reflecting a continued exploration of atmospheric textures and personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Gustavo Santaolalla· Jeff Buckley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chest of Drawers 0:24
- 2 Where Will I Be 4:03
- 3 Here Is What Is 2:50
- 4 Not Fighting Anymore 3:32
- 5 Beauty 1:57
- 6 Blue Bus 2:17
- 7 Lovechild 8:36
- 8 Harry 4:35
- 9 Bells of Oaxaca 1:04
- 10 This May Be the Last Time 2:28
- 11 Smoke No.6 2:45
- 12 I Like That 4:14
- 13 Duo Glide 6:29
- 14 Bladesteel 3:50
- 15 Moondog 3:45
- 16 Sacred and Secular 4:33
- 17 Joy 2:47
- 18 Luna Samba 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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