What makes I Need to Start a Garden by Haley Heynderickx notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with features in major platforms like NPR and Pitchfork, highlighting its emotional depth and lyrical craftsmanship. It also marked Heynderickx's emergence as a significant voice in contemporary folk music, influencing a wave of singer-songwriters exploring similar themes. I Need to Start a Garden is Haley Heynderickx's debut album, released in early 2018 after a string of well-received EPs. At this point, she was gaining recognition within the indie folk scene, having built a reputation for her poignant storytelling and unique vocal style.

How many songs are on I Need to Start a Garden?

I Need to Start a Garden has 9 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

I Need to Start a Garden

Haley Heynderickx · 2018

30 min · 9 tracks

Intimate folk melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a tapestry of vulnerability and personal reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Bug Collector — This track showcases Heynderickx's ability to blend whimsical imagery with poignant themes of collecting and preserving memories, aptly reflecting her lyrical style.
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Worth It — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of self-worth and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Show You a Body — This track stands out for its raw emotional honesty, as it confronts themes of loss and connection through evocative imagery and intimate vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, with cohesive themes and intimate arrangements.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that establish a delicate, intimate atmosphere.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The album closes with a cover of 'It Ain't Me Babe', which contrasts the original's assertiveness with a more vulnerable interpretation.

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

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.