Nothing Important cover

Nothing Important

Richard Dawson · 2014

44 min · 4 tracks · traditional folk music

An evocative blend of traditional folk and modern storytelling, characterized by intricate melodies and haunting vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Nothing Important — The title track stands out for its lengthy exploration of existential themes, combining lyrical introspection with an evolving musical landscape that challenges traditional song structure.
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    Judas Iscariot — This track uses biblical references to delve into themes of betrayal and morality, showcasing Dawson's ability to weave complex narratives into his songs.
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    The Vile Stuff — With its vivid imagery and emotional depth, this song captures the essence of human struggle, highlighting Dawson's knack for poignant storytelling within a folk framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's storytelling and emotive delivery create a strong identity within contemporary folk.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lengthy track that features layered instrumentation and shifts in dynamics, setting a contemplative tone.
  • Each song employs a narrative structure, with lyrics that unfold like short stories, often featuring vivid imagery.
  • The vocal delivery is characterized by a raw, emotive quality, with minimal production effects that highlight the acoustic instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Doubting Thomas

    The lyrics confront doubt directly before shifting to acceptance reflects a deep internal conflict.

    This shift from uncertainty to acceptance highlights Dawson's skill in navigating complex emotional landscapes within a succinct verse.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Judas Iscariot 6:40
  • 2 Nothing Important 16:15
  • 3 The Vile Stuff 16:26
  • 4 Doubting Thomas 4:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata