Noonday Dream
Ben Howard · 2018
50 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dream-like journey through folk and ambient textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nica Libres at Dusk — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and intricate instrumentation, encapsulating the ethereal quality that defines Noonday Dream.
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A Boat to an Island on the Wall — The song features layered vocals and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of longing and escapism, resonating deeply with listeners as a centerpiece of the album.
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Murmurations — Closing the album, this track builds an emotional crescendo with its rich soundscape and contemplative lyrics, leaving a lasting impression that ties together the album's themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics create a cohesive yet unconventional journey through folk and ambient textures.
What we noticed
- The album features several interludes that create pauses in the flow, with 'All Down the Mines' acting as a reflective break between longer tracks.
- Many songs utilize unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and gradual build-ups, which contribute to its dream-like quality.
- 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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8/10
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
- wave-like emotional ebb and flow
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- late afternoon tranquility
- interlude breaks for contemplation
- heartfelt melodies for -searching
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Noonday Dream in 2018, Ben Howard was transitioning beyond his earlier success, following the acclaimed album I Forget Where We Were. This album marks a significant artistic evolution, showcasing a deeper exploration of atmospheric sounds and lyrical complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Vincent McMorrow· Hozier· Nick Mulvey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nica Libres at Dusk 6:34
- 2 Towing the Line 3:56
- 3 A Boat to an Island on the Wall 7:10
- 4 What the Moon Does 5:21
- 5 Someone in the Doorway 4:56
- 6 All Down the Mines (interlude) 0:47
- 7 The Defeat 5:53
- 8 A Boat to an Island, Pt. 2 / Agatha’s Song 4:54
- 9 There’s Your Man 4:39
- 10 Murmurations 6:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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