Isles cover

Isles

Wild Belle · 2013

40 min · 11 tracks · electronica

A vibrant blend of reggae-infused grooves and dreamy electronica, creating a lush soundscape that invites introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Keep You — This track features a catchy chorus and danceable rhythm, effectively showcasing the band's blend of pop sensibility with reggae influences.
  • →
    Shine — With its uplifting lyrics and smooth melodies, 'Shine' encapsulates the album's overarching theme of love and hope, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Happy Home — 'Happy Home' stands out for its reflective lyrics and laid-back groove, highlighting the duo's ability to merge personal storytelling with infectious rhythms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of genres with strong rhythmic elements, though it doesn't fully stand out in its field.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms that blend reggae and electronic elements across most tracks.
  • Vocals are layered with reverb, creating an ethereal quality that complements the lush instrumental arrangements.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups and transitions between themes.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 3/10

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

  • sun-soaked nostalgic daydreaming
  • easygoing vibes for relaxation
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • laid-back background for gatherings
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • need for high-energy tracks
  • prefer complex sonic landscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Isles is Wild Belle's debut album, released in 2013 after the duo gained attention with their single 'Keep You.' At this stage, they were transitioning from relative obscurity to gaining traction in the indie music scene, setting the tone for their future explorations in sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Lana Del Rey· Odesza· Phantogram

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Happy Home

    The bridge shifts from a nostalgic reflection on past relationships to an affirmation of present happiness.

    This structural turn deepens the emotional impact by contrasting earlier feelings of yearning with a newfound sense of contentment.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Keep You 3:30
  • 2 It's Too Late 3:13
  • 3 Shine 4:41
  • 4 Twisted 3:05
  • 5 Backslider 3:23
  • 6 Happy Home 3:45
  • 7 Another Girl 3:52
  • 8 Love Like This 3:58
  • 9 When It's Over 3:33
  • 10 June 4:03
  • 11 Take Me Away 2:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata