Homeland cover

Homeland

Laurie Anderson · 2010

66 min · 12 tracks

A meditative exploration of personal and political narratives delivered through spoken word and experimental soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Only an Expert — This track exemplifies Anderson's unique narrative style, combining humor with biting critique of authority figures and societal expectations.
  • →
    Another Day in America — The lengthy composition offers a poignant reflection on the state of the nation, intertwining personal anecdotes with broader societal observations.
  • →
    Dark Time in the Revolution — This track captures a sense of urgency and despair that resonates throughout the album, highlighting Anderson's skill in addressing complex themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of spoken word and soundscapes creates a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and electronic textures, creating a rich auditory tapestry that evolves throughout the record.
  • The pacing shifts dramatically between tracks, with some pieces building tension while others offer moments of stillness and reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • contemplative and reflective moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Laurie Anderson was already an established avant-garde artist by the time 'Homeland' was released, following her acclaimed works like 'Strange Angels' in 1989. This album marked a return to her roots in performance art and storytelling, showcasing her ability to weave complex themes into immersive audio experiences after a period of relative silence in her recording career.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Sonic Youth· David Byrne

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Transitory Life 6:52
  • 2 My Right Eye 5:00
  • 3 Thinking of You 4:13
  • 4 Strange Perfumes 4:46
  • 5 Only an Expert 7:29
  • 6 Falling 3:20
  • 7 Another Day in America 11:26
  • 8 Bodies in Motion 7:10
  • 9 Dark Time in the Revolution 5:15
  • 10 The Lake 5:39
  • 11 The Beginning of Memory 2:51
  • 12 Flow 2:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata