Leaving Songs
Kristofer Åström · 2001
43 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A haunting blend of melancholy melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in delicate indie rock arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Leaving Song — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of farewell and emotional departure, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
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What I Came Here For — Opening with a reflective tone, this track sets the stage for the album’s exploration of purpose and connection, marked by its haunting melody.
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Satan — This song stands out due to its darker lyrical content and stark instrumentation, providing a contrast to the album's more tender moments and showcasing Åström’s range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's introspective songwriting and emotional delivery create a strong connection, though it follows familiar indie rock templates.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft percussion, creating a reflective atmosphere.
- Several tracks include layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, with 'Oh, Lord' featuring only piano and vocals, emphasizing a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- melancholic melodies for introspection
- thoughtful listening during quiet evenings
- haunting themes of longing and
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Leaving Songs is Kristofer Åström's second solo album, released in 2001 after his departure from the band Fireside. At this point in his career, Åström was transitioning from a collaborative scene into a solo artist, refining his sound while further exploring personal themes of loss and longing.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What I Came Here For 3:24
- 2 Leaving Song 3:13
- 3 Who 2:54
- 4 The Drive 3:57
- 5 Without Your Love 3:37
- 6 Go, Went, Gone 3:28
- 7 Mr. Bojangles 5:22
- 8 You Think You Don't Know Me 2:03
- 9 This Surely Ain't My Home 4:07
- 10 Oh, Lord 2:30
- 11 Satan 4:18
- 12 Where Were You? 4:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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