Range of Light cover

Range of Light

S. Carey · 2014

36 min · 9 tracks · ambient music

Ethereal soundscapes blend intricate instrumentation with introspective melodies, evoking the tranquility of nature and personal reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crown the Pines — This track exemplifies Carey's signature blend of lush arrangements and poignant lyrics, creating a moment of serene introspection amidst vibrant instrumentation.
  • →
    Fire-Scene — With its delicate instrumentation and evocative narrative, this track captures the essence of vulnerability and transformation that runs throughout the album.
  • →
    Alpenglow — The ethereal quality and gradual build in this track encapsulate the album's overarching themes of nature and self-discovery, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and seamless flow create a tranquil listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing tracks that often blend into one another, creating a continuous soundscape.
  • Each piece employs layered instrumentation, with delicate piano melodies supported by ambient synths and subtle percussion.
  • Several tracks utilize natural sounds, such as water or wind, enhancing the organic feel of the music.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • introspective melodies for reflection
  • tranquil soundscapes of nature
  • gentle pacing for quiet moments
  • short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy music
  • want immediate, catchy hooks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2014, Range of Light is S. Carey’s second studio album, following his debut, All We Grow. At this point in his career, Carey had already gained recognition as a member of Bon Iver, which set the stage for his solo exploration of ambient and folk influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Bon Iver· Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Glass/Film 4:00
  • 2 Creaking 3:44
  • 3 Crown the Pines 3:30
  • 4 Fire-Scene 4:35
  • 5 Radiant 1:45
  • 6 Alpenglow 4:22
  • 7 Fleeting Light 5:00
  • 8 The Dome 4:18
  • 9 Neverending Fountain 5:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata