Released 21 years ago this October
Lookaftering
Vashti Bunyan · 2005
35 min · 11 tracks · folk music
Gentle, ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a tender tapestry of folk-inflected soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lately — Opening with soft instrumentation and Bunyan's lilting vocals, this track encapsulates the album's reflective tone and sets a serene atmosphere.
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If I Were — This song features poignant imagery that captures longing and possibility, showcasing Bunyan's ability to evoke emotion through simple yet profound lyrics.
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Feet of Clay — The rich layering of vocals and instrumentation creates a haunting quality that highlights themes of vulnerability and imperfection, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends gentle melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a distinctive sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of gentle acoustic instrumentation, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements, including strings and subtle percussion.
- Many tracks utilize a call-and-response structure between Bunyan's vocals and instrumental sections, creating an intimate dialogue throughout the record.
- Several songs feature layered harmonies that build gradually, enhancing the ethereal quality of the melodies as they progress.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
- late-night contemplative moods
- gradual builds and payoffs
- introspective listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2005, Lookaftering marked Vashti Bunyan's return to music after a long hiatus following her 1970 debut, Just Another Diamond Day. This album came nearly 35 years later, positioning Bunyan as a rediscovered voice in the contemporary folk scene, celebrated for her delicate songwriting and unique perspective.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Linda Perhacs· Anne Briggs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lately 2:21
- 2 Here Before 2:05
- 3 Wayward 3:06
- 4 Hidden 3:23
- 5 Against the Sky 3:10
- 6 Turning Backs 4:28
- 7 If I Were 2:15
- 8 Same But Different 3:38
- 9 Brother 2:10
- 10 Feet of Clay 4:29
- 11 Wayward Hum 4:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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