Not Going Anywhere cover

Not Going Anywhere

Keren Ann · 2003

38 min · 11 tracks · popular music

A blend of wistful melodies and introspective lyrics enveloped in Keren Ann's soothing, ethereal vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Not Going Anywhere — The title track captures the essence of the album with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics about life's uncertainties, setting a poignant tone for the entire record.
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    Sailor & Widow — This track stands out for its evocative storytelling and rich imagery, blending themes of loss and longing through a beautifully arranged musical backdrop.
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    Right Now & Right Here — An exploration of presence and immediacy, this song's driving rhythm and heartfelt vocals encapsulate the album's contemplative nature while inviting listeners into a moment of clarity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features cohesive songwriting with ethereal vocals, maintaining a reflective mood throughout.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal quality, particularly in 'Sailor & Widow' and 'Ending Song'.
  • The album's tempo remains consistently slow to mid-tempo, with only minor variations that contribute to its introspective feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
8/10

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

  • intimate moments of quiet reflection
  • gentle melodies for sunny days
  • short tracks for breaks
  • nostalgic vibes with soft vocals

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer bold, upfront sound

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2003, Not Going Anywhere was Keren Ann's second studio album, following her self-titled debut from 2001. At this point in her career, she was establishing her unique sound that melds elements of folk, pop, and chanson, gaining recognition in both Europe and North America.
Stylistic neighbors
Lykke Li· Feist· Sophie Hunger

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Not Going Anywhere 3:37
  • 2 Polly 3:16
  • 3 Road Bin 3:22
  • 4 End of May 3:31
  • 5 Sailor & Widow 3:33
  • 6 Sit in the Sun 3:33
  • 7 Right Now & Right Here 3:35
  • 8 Seventeen 2:24
  • 9 Spanish Song Bird 4:12
  • 10 By the Cathedral 2:41
  • 11 Ending Song 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata