Rouge on Pockmarked Cheeks cover

Rouge on Pockmarked Cheeks

Brazzaville · 1998

62 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

A dreamlike blend of bossa nova grooves and indie pop sensibilities, punctuated by introspective lyrics and lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Motel Room — This opening track sets the mood with its haunting melodies and vivid storytelling, encapsulating the album's themes of loneliness and reflection.
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    Samurai — With a catchy chorus and rhythmic intricacies, this track showcases the band's ability to fuse upbeat tempos with reflective lyrics about identity and change.
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    Late Night Lullaby — As the longest track on the album, it weaves together various musical elements to create a cinematic feel, embodying the contemplative essence of the record.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dreamy soundscapes for reflection
  • introspective vibes for quiet moments
  • gentle grooves for afternoon relaxation
  • soothing melodies for late nights
  • narrative flow through varied tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 1998, 'Rouge on Pockmarked Cheeks' marked Brazzaville's debut album after forming in the mid-1990s. This record established their unique sound, which combined various influences like bossa nova and chamber pop, setting the stage for their subsequent releases.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Queenie

    The narrative shifts from nostalgia to a direct confrontation with a past lover, creating a moment of tension amidst the otherwise dreamy soundscape.

    This contrast between dreamy melodies and stark lyrical honesty highlights the complexity of relationships, adding emotional weight to the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Motel Room 4:56
  • 2 Samurai 6:25
  • 3 Queenie 4:28
  • 4 1980 4:50
  • 5 Rainy Night 3:12
  • 6 Genoa 6:29
  • 7 Trona 4:30
  • 8 Xanax and Three Hours of TV 3:17
  • 9 High Life 3:26
  • 10 N. Koreatown 6:20
  • 11 Late Night Lullaby 14:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata