Short Movie
Laura Marling · 2015
50 min · 13 tracks · pop rock
A reflective blend of folk and pop, where intricate storytelling meets lush instrumentation and haunting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Warrior Start here — Opening with a powerful exploration of identity and resilience, this track sets the tone for the album's introspective journey. Its emotive delivery highlights Marling's ability to convey complex feelings through simple yet evocative lyrics.
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False Hope — This track contrasts upbeat melodies with themes of disillusionment, showcasing Marling's skill in merging light instrumentation with heavy emotional content. It's a standout for its catchy chorus that belies deeper anxieties.
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Howl — With its haunting arrangement and raw vocal performance, this track encapsulates the longing present throughout the album. It serves as a pivotal moment where vulnerability meets strength in Marling's storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and pop with strong storytelling, though its cohesion dips in pacing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements the storytelling.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal narratives, with recurring themes of self-discovery and reflection.
- 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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7/10
- 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 for deep reflection
- contemplative storytelling through melodies
- gradual resolution of emotional themes
- for quiet introspection
- inviting for solo listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album showcases Marling's lyrical depth and musical experimentation, marking an artistic high point.
- Career context
- By the time 'Short Movie' was released in 2015, Laura Marling had already established herself as a prominent voice in the indie folk scene, following her critically acclaimed album 'Once I Was an Eagle' from 2013. This album marked her fifth studio release, showcasing her continued evolution both as a songwriter and as an artist seeking new sonic landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus
Tracklist
- 1 Warrior Start here 5:20
- 2 False Hope 3:12
- 3 I Feel Your Love 4:02
- 4 Walk Alone 3:19
- 5 Strange 3:17
- 6 Don’t Let Me Bring You Down 3:10
- 7 Easy 3:43
- 8 Gurdjieff’s Daughter 4:22
- 9 Divine 2:58
- 10 How Can I 3:21
- 11 Howl 5:05
- 12 Short Movie 4:36
- 13 Worship Me 3:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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