Historian
Lucy Dacus · 2018
47 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A poignant blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation that captures the complexity of human relationships.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Night Shift — Opening the album with a sweeping narrative about love and heartbreak, Night Shift sets the emotional tone for the entire project. Its intricate layering of guitars and poignant lyrics showcases Dacus's songwriting prowess.
-
→
Nonbeliever — This track stands out for its raw honesty and confessional style, where Dacus confronts themes of doubt and disillusionment in both faith and relationships. Its haunting melody elevates the lyrical content, making it a memorable moment on the album.
-
→
Pillar of Truth — Pillar of Truth delves into the complexities of personal accountability and societal expectations, marked by its reflective lyrics and anthemic chorus. This song encapsulates the album's thematic depth while highlighting Dacus's ability to weave intricate narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Historian showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, making it a notable entry in contemporary indie rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Night Shift' that crescendos into a powerful chorus, setting a dynamic tone for the record.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and strings weaving in and out of the vocal lines, creating a rich soundscape.
- Lyrically, the album often juxtaposes personal narratives with broader themes of history and relationships, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Significant within its genre. 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
- introspective moments for reflection
- poignant storytelling through dynamics
- cathartic build towards resolution
- evening solitude with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek immediate gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2018, Historian is Lucy Dacus's sophomore album, following her critically acclaimed debut, No Burden. At this point in her career, Dacus was establishing herself as a prominent voice in indie rock, building on the momentum from her first record and collaborations with fellow artists in the Boygenius supergroup.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Margaret Glaspy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Night Shift 6:31
- 2 Addictions 3:24
- 3 The Shell 4:37
- 4 Nonbeliever 3:40
- 5 Yours & Mine 5:14
- 6 Body to Flame 3:05
- 7 Timefighter 5:48
- 8 Next of Kin 4:06
- 9 Pillar of Truth 7:14
- 10 Historians 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.