What makes Ruins by First Aid Kit notable?

'Ruins' received widespread acclaim, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart and praised for its lyrical depth and vocal harmonies. The album marked a noticeable evolution in their sound, influencing a resurgence of interest in folk music among younger audiences. Released on January 19, 2018, 'Ruins' is First Aid Kit's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Stay Gold' from 2014. At this point in their career, the duo had established themselves as significant voices in contemporary folk music, building on their earlier successes while exploring deeper emotional themes.

Ruins works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, poignant storytelling about love and warm harmonies for intimate listening.

How many songs are on Ruins?

Ruins has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Ruins

First Aid Kit · 2018

39 min · 10 tracks · folk music

Lush harmonies and poignant lyrics intertwine in a tapestry of contemporary folk, evoking both nostalgia and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rebel Heart — Opening with a bold declaration of independence, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of personal freedom and self-discovery.
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It’s a Shame — This song captures a sense of melancholy through its reflective lyrics and haunting melodies, showcasing the duo's ability to convey complex emotions.
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Ruins — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of loss and resilience, merging rich instrumentation with heartfelt vocal delivery.
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My Wild Sweet Love — This track features vibrant imagery and an infectious rhythm that contrasts with its bittersweet narrative, demonstrating the duo's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and lush production, though it follows familiar folk templates.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the subsequent tracks gradually shift to more subdued arrangements.
Vocal harmonies are prominent throughout, with two voices often intertwining in call-and-response patterns rather than alternating verses.
Several tracks incorporate strings and piano, adding depth to the soundscape, particularly in the slower songs.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
poignant storytelling about love
warm harmonies for intimate listening
suitable for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 19, 2018, 'Ruins' is First Aid Kit's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Stay Gold' from 2014. At this point in their career, the duo had established themselves as significant voices in contemporary folk music, building on their earlier successes while exploring deeper emotional themes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Civil Wars· Of Monsters and Men· Laura Marling