What makes Let's Be Still by The Head and the Heart notable?

The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for its mature songwriting and production, marking a significant step forward for the band. Its singles helped further popularize the band's sound, leading to increased festival appearances and a growing fanbase. Released on January 1, 2013, Let's Be Still is The Head and the Heart's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 2011. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a breakthrough debut that established their sound to solidifying their place in the indie folk scene.

Who is Let's Be Still for?

Let's Be Still works well if you're into wistful nostalgia with rich harmonies, intimate moments for reflection and for late-night introspection.

How many songs are on Let's Be Still?

Let's Be Still has 16 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Let's Be Still

The Head and the Heart · 2013

63 min · 16 tracks · folk rock

A lush tapestry of harmonies and reflective lyrics, blending folk-rock warmth with introspective storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let’s Be Still — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and tranquility, showcasing lush instrumentation and harmonious vocals that define the band's signature style.
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Cruel — With its poignant lyrics exploring personal loss and resilience, this track stands out for its emotional depth and dynamic arrangement, highlighting the band's growth.
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Shake — This upbeat track juxtaposes lively instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a compelling contrast that showcases the band's ability to blend joy with melancholy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar folk-rock patterns.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
Harmonies are layered throughout, with multiple vocalists contributing to the lead lines in several songs, enhancing the folk-rock texture.
Several tracks employ a gradual build-up of instrumentation, culminating in rich arrangements that support the lyrical themes.

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: 6/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wistful nostalgia with rich harmonies
intimate moments for reflection
for late-night introspection
gentle pacing encourages deep listening
uplifting sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy dance tracks
prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2013, Let's Be Still is The Head and the Heart's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 2011. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from a breakthrough debut that established their sound to solidifying their place in the indie folk scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Fleet Foxes· The Lumineers· Of Monsters and Men