Memories of an Old Friend cover

Memories of an Old Friend

Angus & Julia Stone · 2010

54 min · 13 tracks · folk music

Ethereal harmonies and gentle melodies intertwine, creating a lush soundscape that evokes nostalgia and longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Private Lawns Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Paper Aeroplane — This track encapsulates the album's introspective themes with its delicate instrumentation and haunting lyrics about fleeting moments and memories.
  • →
    Old Friend — A poignant reflection on past relationships, this song's rich vocal harmonies highlight the duo's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.
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    Chocolates & Cigarettes — With its playful yet melancholic tone, this track showcases the duo's unique blend of whimsy and heartache, making it a memorable highlight of the album.

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 showcases refined songwriting and strong production, with effective use of harmonies and pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Vocals are often layered in harmonies, creating a rich texture that emphasizes emotional resonance.
  • Several tracks feature instrumental interludes that serve as transitions between songs, enhancing the overall flow.
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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt melodies for quiet evenings
  • introspective listening during solitude
  • warm soundscapes for cozy gatherings
  • gradual emotional peaks throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped establish Angus & Julia Stone's mainstream popularity.
Themes
nostalgic reflections· fleeting memories· past relationships
Career context
Released in 2010, Memories of an Old Friend is the second studio album by Angus & Julia Stone, following their self-titled debut from 2007. This album marks a significant step in their artistic development, showcasing a more refined sound and cohesive songwriting that solidified their presence in the indie folk scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Paper Kites· First Aid Kit· Ben Howard

Tracklist

  • 1 Private Lawns Start here 3:04
  • 2 Babylon 5:01
  • 3 Paper Aeroplane 3:41
  • 4 Take You Away 3:48
  • 5 My Malakai 3:06
  • 6 Lonely Hands 3:47
  • 7 Little Bird 4:28
  • 8 Chocolates & Cigarettes 3:56
  • 9 Old Friend 4:06
  • 10 Choking 5:46
  • 11 Mango Tree 3:45
  • 12 Heart Full of Wine 4:27
  • 13 All of Me 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata