Maraqopa
Damien Jurado · 2012
36 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
Maraqopa blends haunting melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike soundscape that invites deep reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nothing Is the News Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Maraqopa — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and discovery, featuring lush instrumentation that complements Jurado's evocative vocal delivery.
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Everyone a Star — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and melodic hooks, exploring the idea of individual significance within a larger narrative.
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Museum of Flight — A poignant exploration of memory and loss, this song features sparse instrumentation that highlights Jurado's lyrical storytelling prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Maraqopa showcases strong composition and craft, with cohesive storytelling and atmospheric production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle electronic elements enhancing the overall atmosphere.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, creating a narrative thread that runs through the album.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective narratives for solitude
- haunting melodies that linger
- thoughtful listening during quiet times
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- need upbeat dance tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Maraqopa is often cited as one of Jurado's most ambitious works, enhancing his storytelling reputation.
- Themes
- mystical landscapes· memory and longing· personal storytelling
- Career context
- By the time of Maraqopa's release in 2012, Damien Jurado had established himself as an influential figure in the indie rock scene, following his critically acclaimed album, Saint Bartlett, from 2010. This album marked a notable shift in his sound, embracing richer production and more atmospheric arrangements under the guidance of producer Richard Swift.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Bon Iver
Tracklist
- 1 Nothing Is the News Start here 5:33
- 2 Life Away From the Garden 2:51
- 3 Maraqopa 3:42
- 4 This Time Next Year 4:00
- 5 Reel to Reel 4:31
- 6 Working Titles 3:47
- 7 Everyone a Star 4:22
- 8 So On, Nevada 2:31
- 9 Museum of Flight 2:50
- 10 Mountains Still Asleep 2:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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