Humming
Duncan Sheik · 1998
62 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Melancholic melodies intertwine with contemplative lyrics, creating an introspective landscape of alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alibi — This track stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of personal struggle and vulnerability that pervades the album.
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In Between — Opening the album, this song sets a reflective tone with its intricate guitar work and poignant examination of life's uncertainties.
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Varying Degrees of Con-Artistry — This lengthy track showcases Sheik's storytelling ability, weaving complex narratives that critique authenticity and deception in relationships.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Alibi' and 'Everyone, Everywhere'.
- The final track combines spoken word elements with music, creating an unconventional conclusion that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective late-night listening
- gradual build to contemplative conclusion
- thought-provoking background ambiance
- emotional depth in quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- seek immediate energetic gratification
- prefer standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Sheik's reputation following his successful debut, gaining critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Humming is Duncan Sheik's sophomore album following his self-titled debut, which brought him significant commercial success. At this point, Sheik was navigating the pressures of fame while exploring deeper lyrical themes and more complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeff Buckley· Sufjan Stevens· Damien Rice
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In Between 4:34
- 2 Rubbed Out 5:10
- 3 Bite Your Tongue 3:58
- 4 Alibi 4:10
- 5 Varying Degrees of Con-Artistry 6:57
- 6 That Says It All 4:19
- 7 Everyone, Everywhere 3:32
- 8 A Body Goes Down 6:08
- 9 Nothing Special 3:31
- 10 House Full of Riches 5:40
- 11 Nichiren / Forshadowing 14:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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