What makes It's Up to Emma by Scout Niblett notable?

It's Up to Emma received positive critical reception, with several reviews highlighting Niblett's distinctive sound and lyrical depth. The album was influential within the alternative rock scene, resonating with fans for its exploration of personal narratives and emotional honesty. It served as a testament to Niblett's resilience as an independent artist amidst the evolving music landscape. Released in early 2013, It's Up to Emma is Scout Niblett's fifth studio album and follows her 2009 release, The Calcination of Scout Niblett. At this point in her career, Niblett had established herself as a unique voice in alternative rock, known for her minimalist approach and poignant songwriting. This album showcases her continued evolution as an artist, experimenting with themes of vulnerability and empowerment.

How many songs are on It's Up to Emma?

It's Up to Emma has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

It's Up to Emma

Scout Niblett · 2013

44 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

Raw, stripped-back instrumentation underpins emotive vocals, creating an intimate yet powerful atmosphere throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Gun — Opening the album with a haunting intensity, 'Gun' sets the tone with its stark instrumentation and raw emotional delivery that captures Niblett's unique style.
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Can't Fool Me Now — 'Can't Fool Me Now' combines a driving rhythm with introspective lyrics, showcasing Niblett's ability to blend vulnerability with assertiveness.
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What Can I Do? — This track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and self-reflection, featuring poignant lyrics and a compelling melodic progression that lingers long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's raw sound and emotive vocals create a distinctive and cohesive experience, though it may not have widespread influence.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Gun' that sets a raw, urgent tone, which is maintained through the first half.
Vocals are often layered with minimal instrumentation, creating an intimate atmosphere that highlights lyrical content.
Several tracks feature abrupt dynamic shifts, such as 'Can't Fool Me Now,' which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Can't Fool Me Now

The narrative shifts from doubt to defiance as the protagonist asserts their independence against external pressures.

Tracklist

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

1 Gun 4:57
2 Can’t Fool Me Now 6:19
3 My Man 4:43
4 Second Chance Dreams 4:45
5 Woman and Man 4:07
6 All Night Long 4:11
7 No Scrubs 3:20
8 Could This Possibly Be? 5:21
9 What Can I Do? 6:36

What to play next

Go back to

The Calcination of Scout Niblett

2010

Full Scout Niblett discography Artists like Scout Niblett

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata