Hunter cover

Hunter

Anna Calvi · 2018

43 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A haunting blend of dark pop and indie rock, infused with theatricality and powerful vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

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    As a Man — Opening with a driving rhythm, this track sets the tone for the entire album by addressing themes of masculinity through sharp lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.
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    Don’t Beat the Girl Out of My Boy — This standout track combines poignant lyrics with an anthemic chorus, challenging traditional gender norms while showcasing Calvi’s powerful vocal range.
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    Alpha — With its pulsating beat and layered vocals, 'Alpha' embodies the exploration of personal identity and power dynamics central to the album's concept.
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    Swimming Pool — This track features lush production and evocative imagery, creating an intimate atmosphere that reflects vulnerability amidst self-discovery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with distinct vocal performances and varied instrumentation.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, driving rhythm in 'As a Man', immediately establishing a bold tone that persists through the first half.
  • Calvi's vocal delivery often features dramatic shifts in dynamics, particularly in tracks like 'Don’t Beat the Girl Out of My Boy', where intensity builds to a climax.
  • Several tracks, including 'Swimming Pool' and 'Wish', incorporate atmospheric instrumentation that creates a haunting backdrop, contrasting with the more aggressive moments.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

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

  • bold emotional expressions
  • introspective late-night reflections
  • dynamic and provocative storytelling
  • immersive sonic landscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Hunter is Anna Calvi's third studio album, released after her acclaimed 2013 album, One Breath. By this point in her career, Calvi had established herself as a distinctive voice in modern music, known for her intense performances and intricate guitar work. Hunter represents a bold evolution in her sound, exploring themes of identity and gender through a more experimental lens.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 As a Man 3:46
  • 2 Hunter 4:11
  • 3 Don’t Beat the Girl Out of My Boy 4:03
  • 4 Indies or Paradise 4:41
  • 5 Swimming Pool 4:54
  • 6 Alpha 3:41
  • 7 Chain 4:47
  • 8 Wish 5:16
  • 9 Away 4:14
  • 10 Eden 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata