Top tracks — play these first
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What We Done? — This opener sets the tone for the album with its driving beat and introspective lyrics, establishing the thematic conflicts that run throughout.
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Forgive Me — The track combines lush instrumentation with a raw vulnerability in its lyrics, illustrating the struggle for redemption amidst personal turmoil.
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I Don't Care (I'm a Man) — Clocking in at just over a minute, this provocative interlude challenges gender norms and societal expectations with sharp wit and boldness.
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We Become — This standout track features anthemic choruses and layered harmonies that encapsulate the emotional core of the album's exploration of identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong songwriting with polished production, though it follows familiar new wave tropes.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, with layered synths and rhythmic percussion creating a driving momentum.
- Several tracks utilize a call-and-response vocal technique, where the lead singer's haunting voice is complemented by backing harmonies.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing more ambient soundscapes and sparse instrumentation, which alters the album's pacing.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- haunting vocals with emotional depth
- introspective moments for reflection
- mesmerizing atmosphere for solitude
- steady pacing for thoughtful listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party tracks
- want immediate, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Olympia is Austra's sophomore album, following their critically acclaimed debut Feel It Break from 2010. The album marks a significant evolution in sound, showcasing more polished production and an exploration of darker themes, reflecting lead singer Katie Stelmanis's growing confidence as a songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Grimes· Bat for Lashes· Phantogram
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What We Done? 5:01
- 2 Forgive Me 3:20
- 3 Painful Like 4:00
- 4 Sleep 4:33
- 5 Home 4:16
- 6 Fire 4:43
- 7 I Don't Care (I'm a Man) 1:11
- 8 We Become 4:23
- 9 Reconcile 3:32
- 10 Annie (Oh Muse, You) 3:47
- 11 You Changed My Life 3:12
- 12 Hurt Me Now 3:57
- 13 Mayan Drums (feat. Gina X) 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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