Mischievous Moon cover

Mischievous Moon

Jill Barber · 2011

38 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A warm blend of folk and jazz, infused with playful melodies and introspective lyrics that invite daydreaming.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Mischievous Moon — The title track sets the tone for the album with its whimsical narrative and lush instrumentation, encapsulating Barber's playful yet poignant songwriting style.
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    Took Me by Surprise — This track showcases Barber's vocal versatility and emotional range, blending jazz influences with a catchy folk-pop vibe that resonates throughout the album.
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    Tenderness — A standout moment on the album, this song highlights Barber's ability to convey vulnerability through delicate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, making it memorable.

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 strong melodies and arrangements, with cohesive themes and effective vocal harmonies.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build in complexity, particularly in 'Tenderness' and 'Lullaby'.
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

  • playful melodies for daydreaming
  • warm sound for cozy evenings
  • gentle pacing for relaxation
  • short tracks for quick listens

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy music
  • want aggressive instrumentation

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2011, Jill Barber was transitioning into a more fully realized artist after her earlier folk roots, having gained recognition with her previous album, 'Chances.' 'Mischievous Moon' marked a significant step in her evolution, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and her ability to blend genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Lindi Ortega· Norah Jones· Sarah Jarosz

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Took Me by Surprise

    The bridge introduces a sudden shift in perspective, revealing an unexpected turn in a romantic relationship.

    This change in viewpoint deepens emotional complexity, transforming the song from a simple love story into a nuanced reflection on vulnerability.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mischievous Moon 4:13
  • 2 Took Me by Surprise 4:08
  • 3 Tell Me 4:08
  • 4 Daydreamin' 3:03
  • 5 A Wish Under My Pillow 2:06
  • 6 Steal Away 4:08
  • 7 Any Fool Can Fall in Love 3:09
  • 8 Tenderness 3:50
  • 9 If It Weren't for Loving You 3:27
  • 10 Lullaby 1:49
  • 11 Dis-Moi 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata