Not All the Beautiful Things cover

Not All the Beautiful Things

What So Not · 2018

46 min · 12 tracks

A vibrant fusion of electronic beats and emotive melodies that oscillates between introspection and exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Be OK Again — This track captures the essence of resilience and hope with uplifting lyrics paired with an infectious melody that showcases What So Not's knack for blending emotion with danceability.
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    Stuck in Orbit — With its hypnotic rhythms and ethereal vocals, this song exemplifies the album's exploration of feelings of disconnection and longing, making it a standout moment.
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    Demons — Here, the raw energy of the production is matched by introspective lyrics that engage listeners through its exploration of inner struggles, showcasing depth beyond typical electronic fare.
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    Monsters — This track juxtaposes dark themes with bright sonic textures, creating a compelling contrast that highlights What So Not's ability to blend light and shadow within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic and introspective elements effectively, showcasing strong production and varied compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album features a dynamic range of tempos, with tracks like 'Warlord' starting aggressively before transitioning to more introspective pieces like 'If You Only Knew'.
  • Several tracks incorporate vocal samples that are layered over intricate electronic beats, creating a textured soundscape.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

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

  • vibrant energy for social gatherings
  • emotive melodies for introspective moments
  • dynamic pacing with varied tempos
  • uplifting anthems for motivation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, single-focused tracks
  • seek constant, unchanging rhythms

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in 2018, What So Not had established itself as a prominent figure in the Australian electronic scene following their debut EP, 'Gemini', in 2015. 'Not All the Beautiful Things' represents a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a broader range of influences and collaborations, particularly with various vocalists across the album.
Stylistic neighbors
Flume· Odesza· Porter Robinson

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Warlord 2:55
  • 2 Be OK Again 3:47
  • 3 Beautiful 3:45
  • 4 Stuck in Orbit 5:25
  • 5 Demons 2:29
  • 6 Goh 3:35
  • 7 We Keep On Running 4:39
  • 8 If You Only Knew 3:12
  • 9 Monsters 3:01
  • 10 Bottom End 3:11
  • 11 Same Mistakes 4:31
  • 12 Us 6:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata