No No No
Beirut · 2015
29 min · 9 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of indie folk, blending eclectic instrumentation with introspective melodies and rich, world-influenced harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
No No No — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of rejection and resilience, featuring upbeat instrumentation that contrasts with its introspective lyrics.
-
→
Gibraltar — This opening track sets the tone with its engaging brass arrangements and rhythmic drive, reflecting the album’s blend of global influences and folk roots.
-
→
At Once — In just over two minutes, this track conveys a sense of urgency and longing, showcasing Condon's ability to convey deep emotions through concise songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong arrangements and lyrical maturity but lacks standout tracks for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a bright, brass-heavy arrangement in 'Gibraltar', setting a lively tone that continues through the first half.
- Tracks like 'At Once' and 'August Holland' feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that blends folk elements with world music influences.
- The final track, 'So Allowed', employs a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
- 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
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
- whimsical melodies for daydreaming
- steady flow for reflective moments
- nostalgic vibes with fresh energy
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense emotional highs
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'No No No' was released in 2015, Beirut was transitioning into a new phase after a three-year hiatus following their previous album, 'The Rip Tide'. This marked Beirut's fourth studio release and showcased Zach Condon’s growth as a songwriter while experimenting with varied sonic textures. The album emerged during a period of personal upheaval for Condon, influencing its reflective themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Gibraltar 3:41
- 2 No No No 2:50
- 3 At Once 2:06
- 4 August Holland 3:30
- 5 As Needed 3:18
- 6 Perth 3:37
- 7 Pacheco 3:08
- 8 Fener 3:28
- 9 So Allowed 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.