Here's to Taking It Easy
Phosphorescent · 2010
44 min · 9 tracks
A blend of wistful Americana and introspective folk, wrapped in warm melodies and tender storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nothing Was Stolen (Love Me Foolishly) — This track combines lush instrumentals with poignant lyrics about love and regret, showcasing Houck's ability to balance vulnerability with warmth.
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The Mermaid Parade — A standout for its vivid imagery and narrative quality, this song captures the essence of community and celebration intertwined with personal reflection.
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Los Angeles — At nearly nine minutes long, this epic closer encapsulates the album's themes of longing and nostalgia through its sweeping arrangement and emotive delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends humor and melancholy through layered melodies and varied tempos, showcasing strong songwriting.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively track that features upbeat instrumentation, followed by more subdued and reflective songs that shift the mood.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- The final track is notably longer than the others, featuring an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, providing a sense of closure.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wistful storytelling with warmth
- for reflective afternoons
- melodic journey through nostalgia
- gentle pacing for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Here's to Taking It Easy is Phosphorescent's fourth studio album, released after the breakthrough success of 2007's Pride. This album marked a pivotal moment as Matthew Houck, the creative force behind Phosphorescent, began to refine his sound, embracing more polished production while still retaining his signature emotive songwriting style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama) 4:28
- 2 Nothing Was Stolen (Love Me Foolishly) 4:49
- 3 We’ll Be Here Soon 3:17
- 4 The Mermaid Parade 4:22
- 5 I Don’t Care If There’s Cursing 4:55
- 6 Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough) 4:37
- 7 Hej, Me I’m Light 4:38
- 8 Heaven, Sittin Down 4:26
- 9 Los Angeles 8:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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