Letters to Ghosts cover

Letters to Ghosts

Lucie Silvas · 2015

44 min · 11 tracks · folk music

Intimate folk-pop melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a heartfelt atmosphere of reflection and connection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Smoke — This track stands out for its haunting melody paired with lyrics that delve into themes of longing and nostalgia, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
  • →
    Unbreakable Us — The song blends uplifting instrumentation with a message of resilience, making it an anthem of hope amidst adversity that resonates deeply throughout the album.
  • →
    Find a Way — With its rich harmonies and reflective lyrics, this track exemplifies Silvas's ability to convey complex emotions while maintaining a beautifully melodic structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends intimate melodies with poignant lyrics, creating a cohesive and reflective listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and piano, establishing a warm, intimate sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The last three tracks shift to a more reflective tone, with slower tempos and sparse instrumentation, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective themes of personal growth
  • rich emotional storytelling experience
  • for late-night solitude
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • seeking purely instrumental sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of 'Letters to Ghosts' in 2015, Lucie Silvas was transitioning into a more introspective phase of her career, following her previous album 'Egos' in 2015. This record marked her return after significant personal growth, showcasing a deeper exploration of themes such as love, loss, and resilience.
Stylistic neighbors
Sara Bareilles· Ingrid Michaelson· Norah Jones

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Roots

    The shift from past to present is articulated through imagery that evokes a sense of belonging and self-discovery.

    This moment highlights a pivotal transition in the narrative, where the artist embraces her heritage while contemplating personal growth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Letters to Ghosts 3:28
  • 2 Smoke 4:25
  • 3 Find a Way 3:13
  • 4 Roots 5:08
  • 5 Unbreakable Us 3:53
  • 6 How to Lose It All 3:19
  • 7 Shame 3:42
  • 8 Pull the Stars Down 3:52
  • 9 Villain 3:35
  • 10 Happy 4:35
  • 11 You Got It 5:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata