What makes Resolve by Poppy Ackroyd notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its unique sound and emotional depth, featuring prominently in discussions about the contemporary classical and post-classical music scenes. It was praised by various publications, contributing to Ackroyd's growing influence in these genres. When 'Resolve' was released in 2018, Poppy Ackroyd had already established herself as an innovative artist with her debut album, 'Escapism', in 2016. This sophomore effort further solidified her reputation for blending classical instrumentation with modern production techniques, marking a continuation of her artistic exploration.

Resolve works well if you're into hauntingly immersive soundscapes, patient unfolding of melodies and ideal for reflective solitude.

How many songs are on Resolve?

Resolve has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Resolve

Poppy Ackroyd · 2018

47 min · 10 tracks

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with delicate strings and subtle electronic textures, creating a hauntingly immersive soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Calm Before — This track showcases Ackroyd's ability to create tension and release through dynamic shifts, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of anticipation and resolution.
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Resolve — The title track is a poignant embodiment of the album's essence, combining intricate piano motifs with lush string arrangements that evoke a sense of introspection.
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Light — With its shimmering textures and uplifting harmonies, this track perfectly illustrates Ackroyd's gift for marrying complexity with accessibility, 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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines classical and electronic elements effectively, creating an immersive soundscape with strong emotional undertones.

What we noticed

The album opens with a solo piano piece that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that gradually introduce strings and electronic elements.
Several tracks feature overlapping melodies that create a sense of continuity, while others shift abruptly in texture or dynamics.
The final track employs a gradual decrescendo, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of calm as it fades out.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

hauntingly immersive soundscapes
patient unfolding of melodies
ideal for reflective solitude
evocative piano and strings
delicate textures for focus

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Resolve' was released in 2018, Poppy Ackroyd had already established herself as an innovative artist with her debut album, 'Escapism', in 2016. This sophomore effort further solidified her reputation for blending classical instrumentation with modern production techniques, marking a continuation of her artistic exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: Ólafur Arnalds· Nils Frahm· Hildur Guðnadóttir

Tracklist

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

1 Paper 4:35
2 Light 5:21
3 The Calm Before 6:09
4 Resolve 4:16
5 Quail 4:55
6 The Dream 5:23
7 Time 6:10
8 Luna 4:41
9 Stems 1:34
10 Trains 4:36

What to play next

Listen next

Pause

2021

Go back to

Sketches

2017

Full Poppy Ackroyd discography Artists like Poppy Ackroyd

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata