Released 10 years ago
Sirens
Nicolas Jaar · 2016
47 min · 7 tracks · electronic music
A haunting blend of ambient textures and intricate rhythms that evoke a sense of introspection and urgency throughout its expansive tracks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Killing Time — This opening track sets the tone for the album, gradually building from subdued ambiance into a more complex sonic atmosphere while exploring themes of existential reflection.
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Wildflowers — Combining lush soundscapes with poignant vocal samples, this track exemplifies Jaar’s skill in creating immersive experiences that blur the lines between nature and technology.
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Three Sides of Nazareth — This lengthy piece showcases Jaar's dexterity in layering sounds, incorporating multiple musical styles that reflect both personal history and broader societal issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate layering and thematic depth create a compelling listening experience that rewards exploration.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with most exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes and textures.
- Each track employs a layered approach, combining ambient soundscapes with intricate rhythmic patterns that evolve over time.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings and spoken word elements, adding depth and context to the instrumental compositions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- haunting soundscapes for reflection
- introspective journeys through sound
- urgent rhythms that provoke thought
- immersive tracks for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Sirens is Nicolas Jaar's first studio album since 2013's Space Is Only Noise, marking a significant return after his explorations in various collaborative and remix projects. By 2016, Jaar had established himself as a leading figure in the avant-garde electronic music scene, known for pushing boundaries and integrating diverse influences into his sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Max Cooper· Bonobo· Four Tet
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Killing Time 11:14
- 2 Wildflowers 5:34
- 3 The Governor 6:50
- 4 Leaves 3:30
- 5 No 6:34
- 6 Three Sides of Nazareth 9:55
- 7 History Lesson 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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