Lustre
Ed Harcourt · 2010
73 min · 18 tracks · jazz fusion
A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and intimate melodies that evokes both melancholy and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Church of No Religion — This track stands out with its poignant exploration of existential themes, blending rich vocal melodies with sophisticated chord progressions that showcase Harcourt's songwriting prowess.
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Heart of a Wolf — The song's raw emotional honesty is conveyed through powerful lyrics and an engaging melody, making it a highlight of the album's reflective nature.
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Killed by the Morning Sun — Featuring a captivating arrangement, this track encapsulates the album's overall mood while presenting a narrative that resonates with listeners seeking depth in lyrical content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalLustre combines lush orchestration with intimate melodies, creating a reflective atmosphere throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of orchestral strings and piano, creating a lush soundscape that sets a reflective mood.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes, with three tracks explicitly labeled as instrumental, allowing for moments of atmospheric exploration.
- The album's pacing is deliberate, with slower tempos dominating the majority of the tracks, contributing to its introspective feel.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 for introspection
- lush soundscapes for deep focus
- dynamic journey with interludes
- reflective moments of solitude
- haunting melodies for emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2010, Lustre is Ed Harcourt's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Round Here. At this point in his career, Harcourt was refining his sound and exploring deeper emotional themes, building on the artistry established in his previous works while continuing to evolve as a musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nils Frahm· Ben Howard· James Blake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Lustre 4:06
- 2 Haywired 4:17
- 3 Church of No Religion 4:54
- 4 Heart of a Wolf 4:16
- 5 Do as I Say Not as I Do 4:11
- 6 Killed by the Morning Sun 5:07
- 7 Lachrymosity 3:06
- 8 A Secret Society 4:35
- 9 When the Lost Don't Want to Be Found 4:11
- 10 So I've Been Told 4:22
- 11 Fears of a Father 5:53
Disc 2
- 1 Illustrious (instrumental) 2:51
- 2 Words of Prey 3:17
- 3 Pistols at Dawn 2:54
- 4 A Public Sobriety (instrumental) 4:01
- 5 Heart of a Wolf (instrumental) 4:16
- 6 A Very Good Impression of Myself 3:16
- 7 Snow You've Been Cold (instrumental) 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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