Liejacker
Thea Gilmore · 2008
53 min · 13 tracks · rock music
A blend of folk-infused rock with poignant lyrics and intricate melodies that evoke both nostalgia and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Old Soul Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Dance in New York — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its vivid imagery and rhythmic vitality, illustrating the allure and chaos of city life.
-
→
Icarus Wind — With its reflective lyrics about ambition and consequence, this song stands out as a poignant commentary on personal aspirations and their potential pitfalls.
-
→
And You Shall Know No Other God but Me — This track merges haunting melodies with sharp social critique, highlighting Gilmore's ability to weave storytelling into her music effectively.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with varied tempos but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic elements alongside electric guitars, creating a blend that shifts between folk and rock textures.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- dynamic journey through emotions
- haunting vocals for solitude
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek consistent high-energy vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog that showcases her evolution but isn't a standout for new listeners.
- Themes
- New York chaos· ambition's consequences· social critique
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Liejacker marked Thea Gilmore's sixth studio album, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter. At this point in her career, she was building upon the successes of her previous albums while exploring deeper themes of identity and societal observations, particularly following her acclaimed 2006 release, Harpo's Ghost.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Marling· Nina Nastasia· Lissie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Black Letter
The shift in tone where the narrative confronts past mistakes directly challenges the listener's perception of regret and forgiveness.
By juxtaposing harsh realities with melodic softness, this moment deepens the emotional impact of the song and reflects Gilmore's lyrical sophistication.
Tracklist
- 1 Old Soul Start here 3:55
- 2 Black Letter 3:11
- 3 Dance in New York 6:53
- 4 Rosie 4:32
- 5 Roll On 5:27
- 6 Icarus Wind 4:10
- 7 The Wrong Side 3:16
- 8 Slow Journey 2:39
- 9 And You Shall Know No Other God but Me 4:24
- 10 When I Get Back to Shore 2:03
- 11 Breathe 4:16
- 12 The Lower Road 5:13
- 13 You Spin Me Right Round 3:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
I Speak Because I Can
Laura Marling
Shares a blend of folk-rock with introspective lyrics and themes of identity and social critique.
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Features poignant storytelling and intricate melodies that evoke nostalgia and personal reflection.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Explores deep emotional landscapes with a folk-infused sound, focusing on personal and societal themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.