What makes Loud City Song by Julia Holter notable?

The album received widespread critical acclaim, appearing on numerous year-end lists and further solidifying Holter's position as an innovative artist. It was noted for its unique blend of baroque pop and electroacoustic elements, influencing a wave of contemporary artists looking to expand the boundaries of indie music. Loud City Song is Julia Holter's third studio album, following her breakout record Ekstasis in 2012. By this point, Holter had established herself as a distinctive voice in the indie pop and experimental music scenes, experimenting with lush arrangements and complex structures, which continued to evolve in this release.

Who is Loud City Song for?

Loud City Song works well if you're into dreamlike exploration of urban life, wave-like pacing with peaks and introspective moments of connection.

How many songs are on Loud City Song?

Loud City Song has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Loud City Song

Julia Holter · 2013

44 min · 9 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with evocative lyrics, creating a dreamlike exploration of urban life and personal introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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World — The opening track sets the tone with its rich orchestration and haunting vocals, encapsulating themes of urban isolation and longing right from the start.
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Horns Surrounding Me — This track showcases Holter's ability to weave intricate musical textures with poignant lyrics, creating an immersive auditory experience that draws the listener into her world.
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City Appearing — Closing the album, this lengthy piece explores the intersection of personal and public spaces through sweeping melodies and reflective lyrics, tying together the album's thematic journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's unique soundscapes and experimental structures create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a layered vocal harmony that sets a dreamlike tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
Tracks often feature unconventional song structures, with shifts in tempo and dynamics that create a sense of fluidity.
Several tracks incorporate field recordings and ambient sounds, enhancing the urban atmosphere and introspective themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

dreamlike exploration of urban life
wave-like pacing with peaks
introspective moments of connection
headphone detail hunting experience

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Loud City Song is Julia Holter's third studio album, following her breakout record Ekstasis in 2012. By this point, Holter had established herself as a distinctive voice in the indie pop and experimental music scenes, experimenting with lush arrangements and complex structures, which continued to evolve in this release.
Stylistic neighbors: Nils Frahm· Sufjan Stevens· FKA twigs