Macadam Flower
Emma Shapplin · 2009
39 min · 12 tracks · classical music
A haunting blend of classical instrumentation and ethereal vocals, weaving a tapestry of emotional depth and lyrical introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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L'absolu — This track showcases Shapplin's powerful vocal delivery paired with orchestral arrangements, encapsulating the emotional core of the album.
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Jealously Yours — With its poignant lyrics and dynamic composition, this song exemplifies the thematic exploration of love and longing present throughout the album.
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My Soul — This track highlights a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, offering a deep connection through its lyrical introspection and melodic beauty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositional elements and skilled production, with a distinct sound that blends classical and pop influences.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half introduces more dynamic shifts and varied instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate choral elements that intertwine with solo vocals, creating a layered texture throughout the record.
- The album includes interludes that serve as transitions between longer pieces, allowing for moments of reflection before returning to more complex arrangements.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Macadam Flower' was released in 2009, Emma Shapplin had already gained recognition for her unique fusion of classical music and pop sensibilities. This album followed her previous work, 'Etterna,' which had established her as a distinctive voice in the contemporary classical genre, further solidifying her artistic identity and expanding her audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sarah Brightman· Lindsey Stirling· Hayley Westenra
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nothing Wrong 3:07
- 2 The Hours on the Fields 4:50
- 3 L'absolu 5:15
- 4 Reptile 3:24
- 5 Number 5 0:33
- 6 White Sail 3:44
- 7 My Soul 3:58
- 8 Sur l'eau 3:33
- 9 Number 9 0:32
- 10 La promenade de san 3:35
- 11 Jealously Yours 3:20
- 12 Aedeus Variations 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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