Hilda cover

Hilda

Jessica Mauboy · 2019

46 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B

Bright, uplifting melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a blend of contemporary R&B and pop influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blessing Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hook and uplifting message about gratitude and positivity.
  • →
    Selfish — A standout for its candid exploration of personal desires, this track features an infectious beat that highlights Mauboy's vocal range.
  • →
    Get Back Up — This anthem of resilience encourages listeners to overcome challenges, encapsulating the album's overarching theme of strength and perseverance.
  • →
    Who We're Meant to Be — With its reflective lyrics and emotive delivery, this track showcases Mauboy's ability to convey deep emotional truth while maintaining a pop sensibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal themes with strong melodies but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a contrast in energy.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo uplifting flow
  • resilient themes of empowerment
  • for casual listening
  • suitable for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • seek deep lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Represents a personal and authentic phase of Mauboy's career, resonating with dedicated listeners.
Themes
Australian pop resilience· dance floor empowerment· gratitude and positivity
Career context
Released in January 2019, 'Hilda' marked Jessica Mauboy's fourth studio album, coming after her successful album 'The Secret Daughter' soundtrack. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself as a major artist in the Australian music scene, having gained recognition through her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and a series of hit singles.
Stylistic neighbors
Tinashe· Kali Uchis· Jhené Aiko

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Get Back Up

    The bridge features a powerful shift where the singer articulates a determination to rise after setbacks and not be defined by failures.

    This moment marks a pivotal emotional climax, reinforcing the song’s motivational message through its change in tone and intensity.

Tracklist

  • 1 Blessing Start here 3:09
  • 2 Come Runnin' 3:19
  • 3 Selfish 3:26
  • 4 Jealous 3:28
  • 5 Better 3:27
  • 6 Little Things 3:09
  • 7 Get Back Up 3:37
  • 8 Sunday 3:05
  • 9 Tough Love 2:40
  • 10 Who We're Meant to Be 4:04
  • 11 Butterfly 3:32
  • 12 Never Ever 3:26
  • 13 Just Like You 3:25
  • 14 Wish You Well 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata