Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons cover

Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons

Blonde Redhead · 2000

39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that invites introspection and exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In Particular — This track showcases the band's unique ability to balance melodic beauty with dissonant undertones, creating a captivating listening experience that exemplifies the album's overall theme.
  • →
    For the Damaged — With its haunting lyrics and ethereal instrumentation, this song has become emblematic of the band's sound, resonating deeply within their discography and fanbase.
  • →
    Hated Because of Great Qualities — This track stands out for its dynamic contrasts and lyrical introspection, encapsulating the emotional complexity that defines much of the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's ethereal sound and innovative structure create a unique listening experience that rewards exploration.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a dense atmosphere before the fourth track introduces a stark contrast with a more stripped-down arrangement.
  • Vocals often harmonize in unconventional ways, with melodies that frequently shift unexpectedly, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that allow for exploration of texture and mood rather than adhering to traditional song structures.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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
  • dreamlike atmospheric immersion
  • introspective late-night listening
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2000, Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons marked Blonde Redhead's fourth studio album, following their 1998 release, In an Expression of the Inexpressible. At this point, the band was refining their experimental sound, blending elements of dream pop and noise rock, which helped solidify their identity within the indie rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Cocteau Twins· My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Equally Damaged 0:40
  • 2 In Particular 6:05
  • 3 Melody of Certain Three 3:53
  • 4 Hated Because of Great Qualities 4:42
  • 5 Loved Despite of Great Faults 4:12
  • 6 Ballad of Lemons 1:54
  • 7 This Is Not 4:50
  • 8 A Cure 5:23
  • 9 For the Damaged 3:02
  • 10 Mother 2:08
  • 11 For the Damaged Coda 2:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata