Paper Wheels
Trey Anastasio · 2015
59 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of intricate guitar work and introspective lyricism unfolds through dynamic rhythms and melodic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Song — This track encapsulates the album's introspective nature, featuring layered instrumentation that complements its contemplative lyrics about connection and identity.
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Invisible Knife — The song stands out for its emotional depth, employing metaphorical imagery that poignantly explores themes of vulnerability and introspection within its melodic structure.
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Liquid Time — With its rhythmic complexity and lyrical exploration of time's fluidity, this track highlights Anastasio's ability to intertwine personal reflection with innovative musical arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate guitar work with introspective lyrics, showcasing Anastasio's growth as a songwriter.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisational guitar work that showcases Anastasio's technical skill.
- The lyrics often reflect personal introspection, with recurring themes of change and self-discovery woven throughout the songs.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- reflective lyrics for introspection
- dynamic journey through emotions
- for late-night listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Paper Wheels is Trey Anastasio's first studio album since the Phish hiatus, marking a return to solo endeavors. This album follows his collaborative work with the band and showcases his evolution as a songwriter, moving deeper into personal and reflective territory.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phish· Umphrey's McGee· Dave Matthews Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Sometime After Sunset 5:41
- 2 The Song 3:25
- 3 Never 6:00
- 4 In Rounds 5:46
- 5 Flying Machine 4:06
- 6 Invisible Knife 4:38
Disc 2
- 1 Lever Boy 4:00
- 2 Bounce 5:51
- 3 Liquid Time 6:17
- 4 Paper Wheels 4:46
- 5 Speak to Me 4:32
- 6 Cartwheels 4:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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