In September cover

In September

Hayden · 1994

44 min · 12 tracks · indie folk

Gentle melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that captures the essence of indie folk.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In September — The title track encapsulates the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the album, with vivid imagery that evokes nostalgia and longing.
  • →
    Bad as They Seem — This track stands out for its raw honesty and emotional depth, showcasing Hayden's ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes.
  • →
    My Parent's House — A poignant reflection on childhood memories, this song highlights Hayden's lyrical prowess and ability to create vivid scenes that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intimate songwriting and a cohesive sound that reflects its indie folk roots.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
  • Many songs utilize a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • gentle melodies for quiet moments
  • reflective soundscape for introspection
  • short tracks for easy replay
  • warm tones during rainy days

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy experiences
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
In September marked Hayden's debut album, released in 1994 when he was just beginning to carve out his identity in the Canadian indie music scene. The album introduced listeners to his poignant songwriting and distinctive vocal style, setting the stage for his subsequent works and influence on the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Nick Drake

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Game 3:58
  • 2 In September 2:36
  • 3 Hardly 4:07
  • 4 On & On 4:32
  • 5 Bunkbed 4:10
  • 6 Careful 2:29
  • 7 Bad as They Seem 5:01
  • 8 Lifes Like 3:24
  • 9 Less Than 3:14
  • 10 Stem 1:46
  • 11 Cause Me Pain 3:34
  • 12 My Parent's House 5:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata