Released 10 years ago
Ouroboros
Ray LaMontagne · 2016
39 min · 8 tracks · folk music
A haunting blend of folk and psychedelic elements, weaving introspective lyrics with rich, atmospheric instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Homecoming Start here — Opening the album with its sprawling length and emotive instrumentation, this track sets a reflective tone that permeates the entire record.
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Hey, No Pressure — The song combines a laid-back groove with poignant lyrics about self-acceptance and letting go, capturing LaMontagne's lyrical prowess and melodic sensibility.
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Wouldn't It Make a Lovely Photograph — In this track, LaMontagne's intimate vocal delivery is paired with evocative imagery that encapsulates the themes of nostalgia and beauty throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and psychedelic elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing LaMontagne's evolving sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build a steady, mid-tempo groove before the fourth track introduces a more subdued, reflective tone.
- Several songs feature layered instrumentation that creates a dense atmosphere, particularly in 'A Murmuration of Starlings'.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a contemplative finish.
- 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
- steady pacing for deep reflection
- introspective lyrics for quiet moments
- gradual build to emotional resolution
- headphone detail hunting in layers
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast tempos
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores new sonic territory with a blend of folk and psychedelic elements.
- Themes
- intimate nostalgia· sprawling landscapes· self-acceptance journey
- Career context
- Released on March 4, 2016, 'Ouroboros' is Ray LaMontagne's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Supernova' (2014). At this stage in his career, LaMontagne was exploring new sonic territories and collaborating closely with producer Jim James, which marked a significant evolution in his sound and artistic direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Iron & Wine· Damien Rice· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 Homecoming Start here 8:29
- 2 Hey, No Pressure 6:34
- 3 The Changing Man 4:13
- 4 While It Still Beats 4:10
- 5 In My Own Way 6:36
- 6 Another Day 3:05
- 7 A Murmuration of Starlings 2:33
- 8 Wouldn't It Make a Lovely Photograph 4:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Explores intimate nostalgia with haunting melodies and rich, atmospheric arrangements.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Shares a blend of folk and expansive soundscapes, focusing on introspective themes and self-acceptance.
Ghost on Ghost
Iron & Wine
Combines intricate instrumentation with reflective lyrics, creating a similar haunting atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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