Mood Valiant
Hiatus Kaiyote · 2021
42 min · 12 tracks · neo soul
A lush blend of neo-soul and experimental sounds, weaving intricate melodies with introspective lyrics that explore vulnerability and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chivalry Is Not Dead — This track encapsulates the album's themes of love and respect through its smooth instrumentation and poignant lyrical reflections on modern relationships.
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Get Sun — With its infectious groove and uplifting message, this song serves as an anthem for self-empowerment, showcasing the band's ability to blend joy with thought-provoking lyrics.
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Blood and Marrow — The closing track features a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that deepens the emotional weight of the album, exploring themes of ancestry and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with experimental structures, showcasing a unique sound within neo-soul.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in melody and rhythm, which challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- introspective moments for quiet reflection
- short tracks for focused listening
- rich instrumentation for detail appreciation
- gentle pacing encourages relaxation
- uplifting tones for mood enhancement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate high-energy engagement
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2021, Mood Valiant is Hiatus Kaiyote's third studio album and their first since 2015's Choose Your Weapon. After a six-year gap, the band returned to the scene with a renewed sense of purpose, showcasing their evolution while retaining the distinct sound that garnered them critical acclaim.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Erykah Badu· Anderson .Paak· Thundercat
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Rose Water
The pre-chorus shifts from contemplative introspection to an urgent call for healing and transformation in relationships.
This transition highlights a pivotal moment where personal reflection evolves into collective urgency, allowing listeners to feel the weight of both individual and shared experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Flight of the Tiger Lily 0:35
- 2 Sip Into Something Soft 1:42
- 3 Chivalry Is Not Dead 3:26
- 4 And We Go Gentle 3:23
- 5 Get Sun 5:37
- 6 All the Words We Don't Say 5:04
- 7 Hush Rattle 0:43
- 8 Rose Water 3:59
- 9 Red Room 3:52
- 10 Sparkle Tape Break Up 5:14
- 11 Stone or Lavender 5:30
- 12 Blood and Marrow 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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