What makes Memories of Middle Earth by Brobdingnagian Bards notable?

'Memories of Middle Earth' gained recognition for its unique thematic focus on J.R.R. Tolkien's universe, appealing to both fans of folk music and fantasy literature. The album contributed to a revival of interest in fantasy-themed music, coinciding with the cinematic success of 'The Lord of the Rings' films, and has been hailed as a significant work within the genre. Released in 2003, 'Memories of Middle Earth' is the Brobdingnagian Bards' second studio album following their debut 'Songs of the Hobbit.' At this point, they had already established a niche within the fantasy music scene, capitalizing on the growing popularity of Tolkien's works due to the film adaptations.

How many songs are on Memories of Middle Earth?

Memories of Middle Earth has 16 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Memories of Middle Earth

Brobdingnagian Bards · 2003

57 min · 16 tracks

A whimsical blend of folk melodies and fantasy storytelling that transports listeners to the enchanting realms of Middle-earth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings) — This opening track encapsulates the album's spirit by merging narrative lyrics with lively instrumentation, setting the stage for an adventurous musical journey through Tolkien's world.
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Weathertop — With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this track powerfully captures the tension and atmosphere of one of Middle-earth's most iconic locations, showcasing the band's storytelling prowess.
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Psychopathic, Chronic, Schizophrenic Gollum Blues — This track stands out for its humorous yet poignant exploration of Gollum's character, blending playful blues elements with deeper themes of identity and conflict in Tolkien's lore.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk melodies with fantasy narratives, appealing to niche audiences but lacks broader impact.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of acoustic instruments, primarily guitar and flute, creating a warm, inviting sound throughout.
Each track is structured around a narrative theme from Tolkien's works, often incorporating storytelling elements within the lyrics.
Several songs include call-and-response sections, engaging listeners to participate in the performance.
The last track diverges stylistically with a more humorous tone, contrasting with the generally whimsical and serious themes of the preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings) 3:23
2 Moria 3:04
3 The Heart of Fangorn 3:26
4 Hobbit's Dance 2:38
5 Lothlorien 3:01
6 Like a Hobbit in a Mushroom Field 3:24
7 Weathertop 5:48
8 Fellowship of the Ring 6:04
9 The Ring of Hope 4:26
10 Galadriel's Mirror 2:02
11 Shadowfax 5:32
12 Breaking of the Fellowship 4:31
13 Legolas 1:53
14 The Grey & The White 2:05
15 Now It's Time to Go (Bilbo's Farewell Song) 1:33
16 Psychopathic, Chronic, Schizophrenic Gollum Blues 4:38

What to play next

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Go back to

A Celtic Renaissance Wedding

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Full Brobdingnagian Bards discography Artists like Brobdingnagian Bards

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata