King of Sweet
His Name Is Alive · 1993
71 min · 15 tracks · experimental rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of ethereal melodies, experimental textures, and intimate storytelling that immerses listeners in a dreamlike soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Bears (King of Sweet) — This track encapsulates the album's thematic duality, marrying haunting vocals with intricate instrumentation to create an immersive listening experience.
-
→
Honey Babe, My Blue‐Eyed Babe — The lengthy composition showcases the band's ability to weave narrative and sound seamlessly, creating an emotional journey through its varying dynamics.
-
→
Meet Me by the Moonlight, Alone — As the closing track, it serves as a reflective ode that ties together the album's motifs while expanding on its ethereal qualities with lush arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic mix and experimental approach create a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including strings and unconventional percussion, which creates a layered and textured sound.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, blending narrative storytelling with musical composition.
- The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in mood and tempo, particularly between the more serene tracks and those that are more chaotic or experimental.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- ethereal soundscapes for daydreaming
- extended tracks for deep immersion
- surreal narratives for imaginative minds
- late-night solitude with depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as His Name Is Alive's third studio album in 1993, 'King of Sweet' followed their critically acclaimed debut 'Livonia.' At this point, the band was carving out a unique niche within the experimental rock scene, building on their established sound while exploring more diverse sonic landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Microphones· Neutral Milk Hotel· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Take a Look Around You 3:29
- 2 A Bird in Evry Tree 2:48
- 3 This Weekend 4:20
- 4 Drive the Dreamy Demon Down 3:32
- 5 Lake (Theme for Sweet Hearts) 2:39
- 6 Blissfield (Sweet Corn) 1:07
- 7 Bears (King of Sweet) 4:16
- 8 Ode on a Dave Asman 5:19
- 9 A Dave in the Life 2:52
- 10 Honey Babe, My Blue‐Eyed Babe 6:12
- 11 The Shepherd’s Flute Is Always Playing 4:38
- 12 Are You Coming Down This Weekend? 9:38
- 13 Soul Resides in the Horse Barn 4:01
- 14 Driftin Blues 3:38
- 15 Meet Me by the Moonlight, Alone 13:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.