Perennial cover

Perennial

Vera Blue · 2017

45 min · 12 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of folk and pop, intertwining heartfelt lyrics with lush electronic textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lady Powers — This track stands out for its empowering message and catchy melody, capturing the album's theme of self-acceptance and strength through vulnerability.
  • →
    First Week — Opening with ethereal vocals and layered harmonies, this song sets the emotional tone for the album while exploring themes of new love and excitement.
  • →
    Said Goodbye to Your Mother — This poignant ballad showcases Vera Blue's vocal range and emotional depth, reflecting on loss and nostalgia that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and pop effectively but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with strong electronic elements, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The track 'Lady Powers' employs a call-and-response structure, contrasting assertive verses with a more melodic chorus.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady emotional exploration throughout
  • intimate moments of reflection
  • earworm melodies for daily life
  • gentle backdrop for creative work
  • uplifting themes of empowerment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced energy
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2017, 'Perennial' is Vera Blue's debut studio album following her EP 'Fingertips', which had garnered significant attention. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from an emerging artist to one with a broader commercial appeal, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors
Lana Del Rey· Hozier· Florence + the Machine

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Mended

    The bridge reflects a shift in perspective as the singer confronts past wounds while expressing hope for healing.

    This moment highlights a transition from pain to acceptance, creating a powerful narrative arc that underscores the album's overarching themes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 First Week 4:15
  • 2 Give In 3:41
  • 3 Regular Touch 3:28
  • 4 We Used To 3:21
  • 5 Said Goodbye to Your Mother 4:03
  • 6 Private 2:30
  • 7 Lady Powers 2:53
  • 8 Magazine 3:39
  • 9 Fools 3:14
  • 10 Overachiever 3:40
  • 11 Pedestal / Cover Me 5:09
  • 12 Mended 5:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata