Outlaster
Nina Nastasia · 2010
39 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Ethereal vocals intertwine with delicate instrumentation, creating a hauntingly introspective soundscape that invites deep reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cry, Cry, Baby — Opening the album with a raw vulnerability, this track sets the tone for the exploration of sorrow and resilience that defines Outlaster.
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You're a Holy Man — This song's reflective lyrics and haunting melody encapsulate the album's spiritual undertones while showcasing Nastasia's evocative vocal delivery.
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A Kind of Courage — Through its narrative of personal strength amidst adversity, this track highlights Nastasia's deft ability to weave storytelling into her music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and a unique vocal style, contributing to its distinctiveness within indie folk.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued and introspective pieces.
- Vocals often overlap with instrumental lines, creating a layered texture that enhances the ethereal quality of the sound.
- Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid arrangements.
- 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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8/10
- 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
- introspective moments of vulnerability
- gentle pacing for reflection
- haunting melodies for solitude
- evocative themes of resilience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2010, Outlaster is Nina Nastasia's fifth studio album, following her acclaimed 2008 release, Leaving. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a unique voice in the folk music scene, garnering critical acclaim for her poignant songwriting and distinctive style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Hannigan· Sufjan Stevens· Joanna Newsom
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cry, Cry, Baby 3:42
- 2 Moves Away 1:49
- 3 You're a Holy Man 3:33
- 4 You Can Take Your Time 4:48
- 5 This Familiar Way 5:03
- 6 What's Out There 3:59
- 7 A Kind of Courage 4:07
- 8 Wakes 4:22
- 9 One Way Out 2:55
- 10 Outlaster 5:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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