What makes Paris Is Burning by St. Vincent notable?

Paris Is Burning garnered critical acclaim, with notable reviews from publications like Pitchfork and The New York Times that praised its innovative sound and lyrical depth. This EP laid the groundwork for St. Vincent's emergence as a significant figure in indie music and helped shape the avant-garde pop landscape of the mid-2000s. Released in early 2006, Paris Is Burning marked St. Vincent's debut EP following her stint as a member of Sufjan Stevens' touring band. This project established her as a solo artist with a unique sound and vision, setting the stage for her later acclaimed albums.

How many songs are on Paris Is Burning?

Paris Is Burning has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Paris Is Burning

St. Vincent · 2006

11 min · 3 tracks · indie pop

A kaleidoscopic blend of art rock and baroque pop, weaving intricate melodies with introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Paris Is Burning — The title track showcases St. Vincent's signature blend of lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics, encapsulating the EP's overall themes of nostalgia and identity.
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What Me Worry — This track features playful yet sharp observations on anxiety and societal expectations, delivered with St. Vincent's characteristic wit and musical experimentation.
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These Days — A cover of Nico’s classic, this rendition highlights St. Vincent’s ability to reinterpret existing works through her unique lens, adding emotional depth and modernity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases intricate melodies and thoughtful lyrics, establishing St. Vincent's unique sound early in her career.

What we noticed

The title track features a complex arrangement with layered instrumentation that builds throughout its duration.
Each song employs a distinct melodic structure, with 'What Me Worry' incorporating unexpected shifts in tempo and dynamics.
The lyrics across the tracks are introspective and often abstract, inviting listeners to engage deeply with their meaning.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Paris Is Burning 4:20
2 What Me Worry 3:55
3 These Days 3:19

What to play next

Listen next

Marry Me

2007

Go back to

Ratsliveonnoevilstar

2003

Full St. Vincent discography Where to start with St. Vincent Artists like St. Vincent

art rock avant-garde music indie pop

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