What makes Hummingbird by Local Natives notable?

'Hummingbird' received critical acclaim, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was highlighted for its emotional depth and sonic experimentation, further solidifying Local Natives' place in the indie rock scene and earning praise from publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. By the time 'Hummingbird' was released in January 2013, Local Natives had already established themselves with their debut album, 'Gorilla Manor'. This sophomore effort marks a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more introspective approach following the personal loss experienced by lead vocalist Taylor Rice, which influenced the album's themes.

Who is Hummingbird for?

Hummingbird works well if you're into ethereal harmonies for introspective moments, gentle pacing for reflective listening and ideal for late-night solitude.

How many songs are on Hummingbird?

Hummingbird has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Hummingbird

Local Natives · 2013

44 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

Layered harmonies and intricate instrumentation create a lush soundscape that balances melancholy with moments of uplifting energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You & I — The opening track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and soaring harmonies, encapsulating the album's exploration of connection and loss.
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Mt. Washington — This track features a poignant narrative about longing and distance, using vivid imagery to evoke feelings of nostalgia that resonate throughout the project.
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Breakers — With its driving rhythm and dynamic shifts, this song illustrates the band's ability to blend introspective lyrics with energetic instrumentation, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Hummingbird showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing energetic and introspective moments effectively.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies that build in intensity, creating a rich sonic texture.
Tracks like 'Three Months' and 'Colombia' introduce more subdued instrumentation, contrasting with the earlier energetic pieces.
The album closes with 'Bowery', which features a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling that invites reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

ethereal harmonies for introspective moments
gentle pacing for reflective listening
ideal for late-night solitude
captivating lyrical depth to explore
melodic richness in headphone details

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Hummingbird' was released in January 2013, Local Natives had already established themselves with their debut album, 'Gorilla Manor'. This sophomore effort marks a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a more introspective approach following the personal loss experienced by lead vocalist Taylor Rice, which influenced the album's themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Fleet Foxes· Grizzly Bear· The War on Drugs