Season High
Little Dragon · 2017
43 min · 10 tracks · synth-pop
A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and nu jazz, layered with dreamy vocals and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Celebrate — The opening track sets an uplifting tone with an infectious groove and themes of joy and community that resonate throughout the album.
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High — With its pulsating beat and ethereal melodies, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of euphoria and self-discovery amid life's complexities.
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Butterflies — This standout track showcases a poignant balance between vulnerability and empowerment, drawing listeners into its lush soundscape and introspective lyrics.
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Gravity — Closing the album on a reflective note, this track delves into themes of love and longing with a mesmerizing arrangement that lingers in the mind.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively but has moments where cohesion falters due to varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies that create a dreamlike quality, particularly in tracks like 'Sweet' and 'Butterflies'.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, such as 'Strobe Light', which shifts from a mellow groove to an energetic climax.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady pacing with gradual peaks
- infectious grooves for dance parties
- uplifting vibes for celebration moments
- introspective lyrics for reflective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy, fast-paced songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2017, Season High marked Little Dragon's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2014 release Nabuma Rubberband. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their unique sound while also exploring new sonic territories, showcasing growth in both production and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nneka· Jungle· Thundercat
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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High
The chorus delivers a soaring sense of freedom with repeated affirmations of feeling elevated above challenges.
The repetition emphasizes the liberating theme of transcendence, creating a powerful contrast to the verses which grapple with more grounded realities.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Celebrate 3:56
- 2 High 4:16
- 3 The Pop Life 3:37
- 4 Sweet 3:31
- 5 Butterflies 6:06
- 6 Should I 2:58
- 7 Don’t Cry 4:14
- 8 Strobe Light 3:43
- 9 Push 3:06
- 10 Gravity 7:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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