Is Nine Objects of Desire a good place to start with Suzanne Vega?

Yes, Nine Objects of Desire is recommended as a starting point for new Suzanne Vega listeners. A lush tapestry of storytelling woven through intricate melodies and atmospheric arrangements that reflect intimate human experiences. Released in 1996, Nine Objects of Desire marked Suzanne Vega's return after a five-year hiatus following her 1990 album, 99.9°F Degrees. At this point, she was navigating a shift in the music landscape while continuing to explore her signature blend of folk and rock influences. This album also came as her first foray into working with producer Mitchell Froom, bringing a new sonic depth to her work.

Who is Nine Objects of Desire for?

Nine Objects of Desire works well if you're into intimate storytelling moments, short, engaging listening sessions and reflective late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Nine Objects of Desire?

Nine Objects of Desire has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Nine Objects of Desire

Suzanne Vega · 1996

39 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of storytelling woven through intricate melodies and atmospheric arrangements that reflect intimate human experiences.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Birth‐day (Love Made Real) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Caramel — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its dreamy instrumentation and poignant lyrics about fleeting love and desire, showcasing Vega's storytelling prowess.
→
World Before Columbus — In this song, Vega employs historical metaphor to comment on modern relationships, blending personal introspection with broader themes of discovery and loss.
→
Headshots — This track stands out for its sharp observations on identity and perception, delivered through a catchy yet reflective melody that engages listeners immediately.

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 songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle electronic elements enhancing the storytelling in each track.
Several tracks employ a recurring melodic motif that evolves throughout the song, creating a sense of continuity.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks like 'Caramel' maintaining a slow tempo while others like 'Headshots' introduce more rhythmic complexity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

intimate storytelling moments
short, engaging listening sessions
reflective late-night vibes
lyrical depth and nuance

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Represents a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic growth.
Career context: Released in 1996, Nine Objects of Desire marked Suzanne Vega's return after a five-year hiatus following her 1990 album, 99.9°F Degrees. At this point, she was navigating a shift in the music landscape while continuing to explore her signature blend of folk and rock influences. This album also came as her first foray into working with producer Mitchell Froom, bringing a new sonic depth to her work.
Stylistic neighbors: Lisa Germano· Natalie Merchant· Aimee Mann