Marlon Williams cover

Released 10 years ago

Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams · 2016

34 min · 9 tracks · alternative country

A haunting blend of alternative country and folk, rich with emotive storytelling and warm, resonant vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hello Miss Lonesome — The opening track sets the tone with its melancholy melody and introspective lyrics, establishing Williams' knack for storytelling right from the start.
  • →
    I'm Lost Without You — This song showcases Williams' vocal range and emotional depth, intertwining longing with a powerful arrangement that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    When I Was a Young Girl — A reimagined take on a classic folk song, it highlights Williams' ability to breathe new life into traditional narratives while maintaining a heartfelt connection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends emotive storytelling with strong vocal performances, establishing a solid foundation in alternative country.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instrumentation, such as acoustic guitar and strings, creating a warm and resonant sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • haunting narratives of heartache
  • short reflective listening moments
  • warm vocals for quiet evenings
  • intimate storytelling with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer longer immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Marlon Williams' self-titled debut album arrived in 2016 following a series of acclaimed live performances that established his reputation as a rising star in New Zealand's music scene. At this point, he was transitioning from a local sensation to an international artist, showcasing his unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dark Child

    A shift occurs where the narrative voice confronts past traumas directly, revealing vulnerability amidst haunting imagery.

    This moment marks a crucial turn in the song's emotional arc, laying bare personal struggles while contrasting light and dark themes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hello Miss Lonesome 3:15
  • 2 After All 3:11
  • 3 Dark Child 5:23
  • 4 I’m Lost Without You 5:16
  • 5 Lonely Side of Her 2:24
  • 6 Silent Passage 3:06
  • 7 Strange Things 3:04
  • 8 When I Was a Young Girl 5:52
  • 9 Everyone’s Got Something to Say 2:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata