Released 10 years ago
Set Fire to the Stars
Gruff Rhys · 2016
43 min · 24 tracks · alternative rock
An ethereal blend of delicate melodies and introspective lyrics, intertwining acoustic elements with a cinematic atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Set Fire to the Stars — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, merging haunting vocals with poignant lyrics that reflect on artistic ambition and existential themes.
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It Was Hot That Summer — This track stands out with its lush instrumentation and vivid imagery, evoking a sense of nostalgia while exploring themes of memory and longing.
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Dylan's Demons — Focused on the struggles of Dylan Thomas, this song uses dynamic shifts in melody to mirror the conflict between creativity and personal turmoil.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's narrative structure and unique sound blend contribute to its distinctiveness within alternative rock.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of interconnected tracks that create a narrative flow, with several pieces titled 'After Hours' suggesting thematic continuity.
- The instrumentation blends acoustic elements with electronic textures, creating an ethereal soundscape that supports the introspective lyrics.
- 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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8/10
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
- ethereal soundscapes for reflection
- short tracks for quick engagement
- introspective moments of calm
- cinematic atmosphere for daydreaming
- gentle melodies for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer long, cohesive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Set Fire to the Stars marked Gruff Rhys's return after a four-year hiatus following his 2013 album Hotel Shampoo. This project was conceived as a soundtrack for the film about poet Dylan Thomas, showcasing Rhys's ability to blend narrative and music, further establishing him as a unique voice in alternative rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Super Furry Animals· The Flaming Lips· Beck
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Set Fire to the Stars
The narrative voice reflects on aspirations and fears amidst a backdrop of stirring melodies creates an emotionally charged atmosphere.
This lyrical choice juxtaposes vulnerability with ambition, framing the artist's internal conflict within a broader existential quest.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 John Malcolm Brinnin 0:28
- 2 Set Fire to the Stars 4:01
- 3 After Hours/Panic 2:24
- 4 Tremble (Down) 0:31
- 5 Tremble to the Light 3:20
- 6 Tremble (Up) 0:32
- 7 After Hours/Tension 0:54
- 8 Log Cabin 1 1:12
- 9 Log Cabin 2 1:00
- 10 Log Cabin 3 0:45
- 11 John Adoring at Yale 0:43
- 12 Set Fire to the Strings 1:21
- 13 After Hours/Tender 1:52
- 14 John & The Poem 1:29
- 15 Chop Shop 2:40
- 16 Atom Bomb 1:47
- 17 After Hours/Contentment 2:47
- 18 Ticking Clock 2:01
- 19 Military Madness 1:02
- 20 Caitlin's Theme 2:37
- 21 Tremble (Joy) 0:49
- 22 Dylan's Demons 2:06
- 23 It Was Hot That Summer 5:54
- 24 [untitled] 0:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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