Myopia cover

Myopia

Agnes Obel · 2020

39 min · 10 tracks · classical music

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that invites introspection and emotional exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Broken Sleep — This track features a delicate balance of melancholic lyrics and intricate piano lines, capturing the essence of Obel's introspective style. Its haunting chorus resonates with themes of longing and vulnerability, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Island of Doom — With its lush instrumentation and ethereal vocal delivery, this track creates an immersive experience that exemplifies Obel's ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities. It serves as a poignant exploration of isolation and introspection.
  • →
    Promise Keeper — This song features rich harmonies and evocative lyrics that explore themes of trust and commitment. The gradual build in instrumentation highlights Obel's skill in crafting emotionally charged narratives through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's ethereal sound and intricate arrangements create a compelling listening experience, though it may not reach beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of piano as the primary instrument, with layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric texture.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • dreamlike soundscapes for reflection
  • introspective moments of solitude
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • haunting melodies inviting exploration
  • gentle pacing for calm evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party vibes
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2020, Myopia is Agnes Obel's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Citizen of Glass from 2016. By this time, Obel had solidified her unique blend of classical and folk influences, attracting a dedicated audience while continuing to evolve her sound with intricate arrangements and layered instrumentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Ólafur Arnalds· Nils Frahm· Ludovico Einaudi

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Camera’s Rolling 4:43
  • 2 Broken Sleep 4:55
  • 3 Island of Doom 5:29
  • 4 Roscian 2:17
  • 5 Myopia 5:16
  • 6 Drosera 2:27
  • 7 Can’t Be 3:26
  • 8 Parliament of Owls 2:29
  • 9 Promise Keeper 4:29
  • 10 Won’t You Call Me 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata