People Are Strange cover

People Are Strange

Stina Nordenstam · 1998

36 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an atmospheric exploration of melancholy and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bird on a Wire — This track captures Nordenstam's ability to convey vulnerability through delicate instrumentation and poignant vocal delivery, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    I Came So Far for Beauty — A haunting rendition that showcases her unique interpretation of Leonard Cohen's work, blending melancholic themes with Nordenstam's ethereal vocals.
  • →
    People Are Strange — Nordenstam's take on this classic song transforms it into a reflective exploration of alienation, highlighting her knack for emotive storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric sound and unique vocal style create a distinct listening experience, though its impact remains niche.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle electronic elements enhancing the ethereal quality of the vocals.
  • Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, creating a reflective atmosphere that encourages introspection.
  • Nordenstam's vocal delivery often employs a breathy style, which adds to the haunting nature of the music and complements the melancholic themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 Sailing 3:15
  • 2 I Dream of Jeannie 3:56
  • 3 Love Hurts 0:33
  • 4 Lonesome Road 2:08
  • 5 Bird on a Wire 3:42
  • 6 Purple Rain 3:52
  • 7 Swallow Strings 1:10
  • 8 Like a Swallow 2:45
  • 9 Reason to Believe 4:12
  • 10 I Came So Far for Beauty 4:01
  • 11 Come to Me 3:31
  • 12 People Are Strange 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata