In the Meantime
Alessia Cara · 2021
54 min · 18 tracks · contemporary R&B
A reflective blend of alternative R&B and indie pop, balancing intimate lyrics with airy melodies and dynamic production.
Top tracks — play these first
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Box In The Ocean — This track encapsulates the album's theme of exploration and self-discovery through vivid imagery, illustrating the struggle between feeling lost and being hopeful.
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I Miss You. Don't Call Me — With its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about longing, this song stands out as a testament to the complexities of modern relationships.
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Middle Ground — This track highlights Cara's ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes, presenting a poignant reflection on finding balance amidst chaos.
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Drama Queen — This song showcases a playful yet critical take on self-identity and societal expectations, making it a standout with its energetic beat and clever lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features introspective lyrics and dynamic production, showcasing Alessia Cara's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend airy melodies with introspective lyrics.
- The pacing varies, with mid-tempo songs interspersed with slower ballads, allowing for moments of emotional release and reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- thoughtful melodies for introspection
- consistent flow through emotions
- ideal for quiet evenings
- rich lyrics with personal themes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In the Meantime is Alessia Cara's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed second album, The Pains of Growing, released in 2018. By 2021, Cara had established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary pop, garnering Grammy nominations and a dedicated fanbase. This album marks a continuation of her exploration into personal themes, showcasing her growth both as an artist and a storyteller.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sabrina Carpenter· Lauv· H.E.R.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Somebody Else
The bridge shifts from personal reflection to addressing an ex directly, showcasing vulnerability while also asserting independence.
This structural choice emphasizes the transformation in the narrator's perspective, marking a pivotal moment of empowerment amidst heartache.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Unboxing Intro 0:41
- 2 Box In The Ocean 3:16
- 3 Bluebird 3:14
- 4 Lie To Me 2:31
- 5 Shapeshifter 3:06
- 6 Fishbowl 3:08
- 7 I Miss You. Don't Call Me 3:20
- 8 Middle Ground 3:43
- 9 Somebody Else 3:34
- 10 Drama Queen 3:01
- 11 Clockwork 2:27
- 12 Best Days 3:31
- 13 Sweet Dream 3:02
- 14 Find My Boy 3:12
- 15 Voice In My Head 2:57
- 16 Slow Lie 2:42
- 17 You Let Me Down 3:13
- 18 Apartment Song 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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