Mala
Devendra Banhart · 2013
40 min · 14 tracks · folk music
Whimsical melodies intertwine with playful lyrics, creating a warm, eclectic tapestry of folk-infused soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Never Seen Such Good Things — This track captures the album's uplifting spirit with its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, showcasing Banhart's ability to blend joy and introspection seamlessly.
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Daniel — A standout for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this song reflects on nostalgia and longing, embodying the emotional depth present throughout the album.
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Mi Negrita — Infused with a playful rhythm and lively instrumentation, this track highlights Banhart's cultural roots while illustrating his knack for storytelling through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mala showcases whimsical melodies and varied instrumentation, creating a distinctive yet cohesive folk sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as 'Für Hildegard von Bingen', which shifts between distinct sections without a clear verse-chorus format.
- The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring lush arrangements and others relying on minimalistic acoustic setups.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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
- whimsical melodies for bright days
- playful atmosphere for gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- warm soundscapes for cozy moments
- quirky tunes that spark joy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking deep emotional intensity
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Mala was Devendra Banhart's sixth studio album and followed his critically acclaimed record, What Will We Be. At this stage, Banhart was solidifying his place within the indie folk scene while experimenting with more personal and introspective themes in his songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Golden Girls 1:35
- 2 Daniel 3:05
- 3 Für Hildegard von Bingen 2:36
- 4 Never Seen Such Good Things 3:13
- 5 Mi Negrita 3:24
- 6 Your Fine Petting Duck 5:46
- 7 The Ballad of Keenan Milton 2:16
- 8 A Gain 1:35
- 9 Won’t You Come Over 3:37
- 10 Cristobal Risquez 2:28
- 11 Hatchet Wound 3:10
- 12 Mala 1:08
- 13 Won’t You Come Home 3:31
- 14 Taurobolium 3:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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