What makes Newborn by Elbow notable?

Newborn garnered significant attention in the UK, charting within the top 20 and contributing to Elbow's rising profile as a key player in the early-2000s indie rock renaissance. Its haunting composition and emotive delivery also paved the way for future successes, leading to multiple awards for Elbow later in their career. Released in 2001, Newborn was Elbow's debut single, marking their emergence in the indie rock scene after forming in 1990. This track set the stage for their critically acclaimed first album, Asleep in the Back, which would follow shortly after and establish their signature sound.

Newborn works well if you're into introspective moments of vulnerability, ethereal melodies for quiet reflection and cathartic releases in sweeping arrangements.

How many songs are on Newborn?

Newborn has 5 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

Released 25 years ago this October

Newborn

Elbow · 2001

25 min · 5 tracks · indie rock

Atmospheric melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that balances vulnerability and grandeur.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Newborn — The title track encapsulates the band's blend of ethereal instrumentation and poignant lyricism, setting a foundational tone for their style.
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One Thing That Was Bothering Me — This track showcases Elbow's ability to weave storytelling into their music, with intricate arrangements that support its reflective narrative.
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Lucky With Disease — With its unique rhythmic structure and lyrical depth, this song illustrates the band's knack for blending melancholy with a sense of hope.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective moments of vulnerability
ethereal melodies for quiet reflection
cathartic releases in sweeping arrangements
short bursts of emotional clarity

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2001, Newborn was Elbow's debut single, marking their emergence in the indie rock scene after forming in 1990. This track set the stage for their critically acclaimed first album, Asleep in the Back, which would follow shortly after and establish their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Doves· Coldplay· The National

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Newborn

The shift from nostalgic reflections to a moment of joyful acceptance reveals an emotional pivot in the song's narrative.

This transition highlights a contrast between longing and hope, demonstrating a sophisticated exploration of human emotion.

Tracklist

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

1 Newborn 7:39
2 One Thing That Was Bothering Me 4:49
3 Press Your Lips (Newborn) (El Presidente remix) 5:59
4 Lucky With Disease 3:47
5 Newborn (single edit) 3:15

What to play next

Listen next

Cast of Thousands

2003

Go back to

Asleep in the Back

2001

Full Elbow discography Where to start with Elbow Artists like Elbow

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata