Top tracks — play these first
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Working for the Knife — This track encapsulates the struggle between ambition and emotional turmoil, using vivid imagery to convey feelings of disillusionment with the music industry.
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The Only Heartbreaker — With its infectious chorus and poignant lyrics, this song highlights the complexities of love and regret, marking a standout moment on the album.
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Heat Lightning — This track’s haunting atmosphere and reflective lyrics create an intimate portrait of longing and self-doubt, illustrating Mitski's lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mitski's 'Laurel Hell' blends introspective lyrics with polished production, showcasing her growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album incorporates electronic elements alongside traditional pop instrumentation, giving it a polished yet dynamic sound.
- 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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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
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, reflective listening sessions
- introspective emotional exploration
- poignant moments of vulnerability
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of 'Laurel Hell' in February 2022, Mitski was solidifying her status as a prominent voice in indie music after her critically acclaimed album 'Be the Cowboy' in 2018. This album marked her return following a hiatus from touring and recording, showcasing a refined sound while diving deeper into personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Faye Webster
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Everyone
The bridge shifts tone dramatically, revealing a raw vulnerability that contrasts with the upbeat instrumentation.
This pivot captures a moment of stark honesty amidst a more polished sound, underscoring the tension between appearance and inner feelings.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Valentine, Texas 2:35
- 2 Working for the Knife 2:38
- 3 Stay Soft 3:16
- 4 Everyone 3:47
- 5 Heat Lightning 2:51
- 6 The Only Heartbreaker 3:04
- 7 Love Me More 3:32
- 8 There’s Nothing Left for You 2:52
- 9 Should’ve Been Me 3:11
- 10 I Guess 2:15
- 11 That’s Our Lamp 2:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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