My Soft Machine
Arlo Parks · 2023
40 min · 12 tracks
A tender exploration of vulnerability wrapped in lush melodies and introspective lyrics that invite deep reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Devotion — This track stands out with its heartfelt expression of loyalty and love, featuring a driving rhythm that contrasts with its gentle lyrics. It encapsulates the album's emotional depth while highlighting Parks’ ability to blend upbeat instrumentation with profound themes.
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Blades — In Blades, Parks crafts an evocative narrative about inner struggle through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, showcasing her lyrical prowess. The haunting melody complements the introspective nature of the song, making it a poignant highlight of the album.
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Purple Phase — This track captures a moment of self-reflection and acceptance, marked by shimmering instrumentals that create a dreamlike atmosphere. Its exploration of finding beauty amidst chaos resonates deeply, making it a standout representation of the album's overarching themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical themes and innovative production, making it a notable entry in contemporary music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal quality throughout the tracks.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with melodic lines, enhancing the introspective nature of the lyrics.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intimate exploration of self-identity
- lush melodies for quiet evenings
- emotional release through subtle storytelling
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- My Soft Machine is Arlo Parks' sophomore album, following her acclaimed debut Collapsed In Sunbeams released in 2021. By 2023, she had established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary music, recognized for her poetic lyricism and genre-blending sound. This album represents a continuation of her artistic evolution, delving deeper into themes of mental health and personal identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sabrina Claudio· Jorja Smith· Celeste
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bruiseless 1:11
- 2 Impurities 3:49
- 3 Devotion 2:45
- 4 Blades 3:41
- 5 Purple Phase 4:24
- 6 Weightless 4:02
- 7 Pegasus 3:06
- 8 Dog Rose 3:08
- 9 Puppy 3:13
- 10 I’m Sorry 3:07
- 11 Room (Red Wings) 4:28
- 12 Ghost 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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