Is This Desire?
PJ Harvey · 1998
50 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting exploration of desire and loss, woven through atmospheric instrumentation and PJ Harvey's evocative lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Angelene Start here — Opening with a haunting melody, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of longing and emotional complexity through its evocative storytelling.
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Catherine — The song features an ethereal quality that mirrors the complexities of identity and femininity, making it a standout piece reflective of the album's themes.
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Is This Desire? — The title track delves deep into existential questions about yearning and fulfillment, effectively summarizing the album’s overarching narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric soundscapes with unconventional structures, showcasing PJ Harvey's evolving artistry.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid transitions.
- The album's closing track is an instrumental piece that contrasts sharply with the preceding vocal-driven songs, creating a sense of unresolved tension.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- haunting emotional reflections
- introspective late-night listening
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive, atmospheric soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents an artistic evolution and received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Is This Desire? was PJ Harvey's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her status as a prominent figure in alternative rock, moving further into experimental territory with a focus on mood and texture rather than traditional song structures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Angelene Start here 3:34
- 2 The Sky Lit Up 1:53
- 3 The Wind 4:01
- 4 My Beautiful Leah 2:00
- 6 Catherine 4:05
- 7 Electric Light 3:05
- 8 The Garden 4:13
- 9 Joy 3:40
- 10 The River 4:53
- 11 No Girl So Sweet 2:46
- 12 Is This Desire? 3:26
Disc 2
- 1 A Perfect Day Elise 3:14
- 2 The Northwood 1:57
- 3 Sweeter Than Anything 3:12
- 4 The Bay 3:14
- 5 Instrumental #3 1:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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