What makes If You Leave by Daughter notable?

The album received critical acclaim, charting in multiple countries and solidifying Daughter's place within the indie rock genre. It was particularly noted for its poignant lyricism and atmospheric production, influencing a wave of similar artists in the indie scene. If You Leave is Daughter's debut studio album, released in 2013 after their EPs gained attention in the indie music scene. At this time, the band was transitioning from emerging artists to a recognized name, showcasing their distinctive blend of folk and electronic influences.

Who is If You Leave for?

If You Leave works well if you're into introspective late-night listening, emotional depth and nuance and immersive sonic landscapes.

How many songs are on If You Leave?

If You Leave has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

If You Leave

Daughter · 2013

45 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an atmosphere of melancholic introspection and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Youth — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of nostalgia and loss, combining a haunting melody with deeply reflective lyrics about fleeting youth.
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Smother — With its lush instrumentation and emotional intensity, this song highlights the band's ability to convey vulnerability and yearning through powerful vocal delivery.
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Human — The stark contrast between the song's delicate arrangement and its raw lyrical themes makes it a standout moment, showcasing Daughter's signature sound and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album combines atmospheric production with emotive songwriting, establishing a strong identity within indie rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds layers of sound, setting a moody tone for the rest of the record.
Vocals often feature harmonies that weave in and out, creating a sense of dialogue rather than straightforward lead-and-support roles.
Several tracks utilize sparse instrumentation, allowing moments of silence to enhance emotional weight before swelling into fuller arrangements.

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: 8/10

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

introspective late-night listening
emotional depth and nuance
immersive sonic landscapes
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: If You Leave is Daughter's debut studio album, released in 2013 after their EPs gained attention in the indie music scene. At this time, the band was transitioning from emerging artists to a recognized name, showcasing their distinctive blend of folk and electronic influences.
Stylistic neighbors: London Grammar· The xx· Bat for Lashes

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Still

The imagery shifts from serene to unsettling as it reflects on stasis and inner turmoil, offering a poignant moment of self-reflection amidst calmness.