Leaving on a Mayday
Anna Ternheim · 2008
44 min · 11 tracks · pop rock
Ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics create a haunting landscape that captures the essence of heartbreak and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Have I Done Start here — This opening track introduces listeners to Ternheim's signature blend of vulnerability and strength, setting the emotional tone for the entire album.
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Let It Rain — The song's lush instrumentation combined with poignant lyrics about surrendering to life's challenges highlights Ternheim's ability to merge personal reflection with universal themes.
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Losing You — A standout ballad that showcases Ternheim’s vocal range, it conveys deep longing and heartbreak through evocative storytelling.
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Black Sunday Afternoon — Closing the album with a contemplative tone, this track encapsulates the overall emotional journey while leaving listeners with a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with layered vocals, creating a cohesive yet emotionally varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
- Many tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the introspective nature of the lyrics.
- Several songs incorporate sparse instrumentation, allowing Ternheim's voice to take center stage and convey vulnerability.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- atmospheric exploration of longing
- consistent melodic journey throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album reached number one in Sweden, solidifying her recognition.
- Career context
- Leaving on a Mayday is Anna Ternheim's third studio album, released in 2008 following her critically acclaimed album, Separation Road. At this point in her career, Ternheim was solidifying her place within the Swedish pop rock scene after gaining recognition for her unique voice and songwriting. The album represents her continued artistic evolution as she blends personal narratives with broader emotional themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lykke Li· First Aid Kit· Ane Brun
Tracklist
- 1 What Have I Done Start here 3:24
- 2 Damaged Ones 3:09
- 3 Terrified 4:44
- 4 Let It Rain 4:55
- 5 My Heart Still Beats for You 4:30
- 6 No, I Don't Remember 3:54
- 7 Make It on My Own 3:27
- 8 Summer Rain 3:58
- 9 Losing You 3:38
- 10 Off the Road 3:57
- 11 Black Sunday Afternoon 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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