Now That the Light Is Fading cover

Now That the Light Is Fading

Maggie Rogers · 2017

17 min · 5 tracks · pop music

A blend of ethereal folk-pop and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush, atmospheric production.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Alaska — 'Alaska' encapsulates the essence of the EP, blending intimate storytelling with an infectious melody that captures the struggle between nostalgia and moving forward.
  • →
    Dog Years — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics addressing maturity and the bittersweet nature of growing up, wrapped in a delicate instrumentation that highlights Rogers' vocal range.
  • →
    On + Off — 'On + Off' showcases Rogers' ability to merge upbeat rhythms with reflective lyrics about uncertainty and balance in relationships, making it a crowd favorite.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Maggie Rogers' debut EP blends atmospheric production with strong songwriting, creating a distinctive sound in contemporary pop.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a minimalist piano line that gradually layers in vocal harmonies, setting an atmospheric tone.
  • Each song features a distinct arrangement, with 'Alaska' incorporating a driving beat that contrasts with the more subdued instrumentation of 'Dog Years'.
  • The EP closes with 'Better', which shifts to a more upbeat tempo, providing a dynamic conclusion to the collection.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • fleeting moments of nostalgia
  • short bursts of introspection
  • morning coffee reflections
  • gentle emotional rises and falls

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of lengthy epics
  • prefer hard-hitting anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Now That the Light Is Fading is Maggie Rogers' debut EP, released after her breakthrough single 'Alaska' gained viral attention in 2016. This album marked her formal introduction as a solo artist, showcasing her unique sound and artistic vision following her time at NYU's Clive Davis Institute.
Stylistic neighbors
Phoebe Bridgers· Lorde· Julien Baker

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dog Years

    The bridge features a moment where the narrative shifts to reflect on the fleeting nature of youth.

    This shift emphasizes the contrast between innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood, enhancing the song’s emotional weight.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Color Song 2:10
  • 2 Alaska 3:09
  • 3 On + Off 3:42
  • 4 Dog Years 4:38
  • 5 Better 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata