Rome
Danger Mouse · 2011
35 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop
A cinematic blend of orchestral arrangements and soulful vocals, evoking a dreamlike journey through an imagined Italy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Two Against One — This track stands out for its haunting melody and lyrical depth, capturing themes of love and betrayal with a cinematic flair.
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The Rose With a Broken Neck — Its lush instrumentation combined with poignant lyrics creates an emotional resonance that encapsulates the album's overall aesthetic.
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Black — Featuring Jack White’s distinctive vocal style, this track highlights the album's exploration of darker themes amidst a melodic backdrop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of orchestral and hip-hop elements creates a unique soundscape, though its impact is more niche.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cinematic orchestral theme that sets a lush, atmospheric tone for the subsequent tracks.
- Several tracks feature interludes that create pauses in the narrative flow, allowing for brief moments of reflection.
- Vocals are shared between Norah Jones and Jack White, often blending their styles rather than having distinct lead sections.
- The instrumentation frequently shifts between orchestral arrangements and hip-hop beats, creating a dynamic contrast throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dreamlike journey through sound
- interludes that enhance immersion
- wave-like pacing with contrasts
- evocative moods for reflection
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking constant high energy
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, 'Rome' marked a significant collaboration between Danger Mouse and Italian composer Daniele Luppi. This project followed Danger Mouse's acclaimed work on Gnarls Barkley's 'St. Elsewhere' and the Black Keys' 'Brothers', showcasing his ability to merge genres while exploring new artistic territories.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Black Keys· Gnarls Barkley· J Dilla
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Two Against One
The verses illustrate a struggle against external pressures while expressing vulnerability, culminating in a powerful chorus that shifts the tone.
The contrast between introspective verses and the sweeping chorus deepens the emotional impact, reinforcing the song's exploration of conflict in relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Theme of “Rome” 2:21
- 2 The Rose With a Broken Neck 3:23
- 3 Morning Fog (interlude) 0:38
- 4 Season’s Trees 3:11
- 5 Her Hollow Ways (interlude) 0:57
- 6 Roman Blue 3:13
- 7 Two Against One 2:20
- 8 The Gambling Priest 2:03
- 9 The World (interlude) 1:02
- 10 Black 3:31
- 11 The Matador Has Fallen 1:46
- 12 Morning Fog 2:06
- 13 Problem Queen 2:36
- 14 Her Hollow Ways 2:29
- 15 The World 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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