Solastalgia
Missy Higgins · 2018
45 min · 12 tracks · rock music
A contemplative blend of indie rock and folk, layered with poignant lyrics that explore themes of loss and environmental nostalgia.
Top tracks — play these first
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Starting Again Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cemetery — This track stands out for its haunting melody and reflective lyrics that confront mortality and the passage of time, encapsulating the album's emotional depth.
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The Difference — With its anthemic chorus and themes of resilience, this song serves as a powerful reminder of finding strength amidst personal challenges, representing hope within the album.
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Hallucinate — The ethereal soundscapes paired with vivid imagery in the lyrics create a dreamlike experience, showcasing Higgins' ability to blend introspection with sonic innovation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's introspective lyrics and layered sound create a cohesive exploration of personal and environmental themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a soft piano melody that gradually builds with layered instrumentation, creating an atmospheric introduction.
- Several tracks feature a recurring motif of nature sounds, which enhance the themes of environmental nostalgia throughout the record.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with loss and change.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- poignant themes of dislocation
- introspective listening on quiet evenings
- melodic flow encouraging deep thought
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued artistic growth and relevance after a five-year hiatus.
- Career context
- By 2018, Missy Higgins had already established herself as a prominent figure in Australian music, known for her emotive songwriting and storytelling. 'Solastalgia' marked her return after a five-year hiatus following the release of her third album, 'Oz,' which showcased a deeper exploration into personal and global themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Mitchell· Sia· Natalie Imbruglia
Tracklist
- 1 Starting Again Start here 4:18
- 2 Cemetery 4:10
- 3 Futon Couch 3:25
- 4 Red Moon 3:30
- 5 How Was I to Know 4:04
- 6 Yesterday Must Die 4:05
- 7 The Difference 4:08
- 8 Don't Look Down 4:12
- 9 Hallucinate 3:08
- 10 49 Candles 3:17
- 11 Strange Utopia 4:33
- 12 The Old Star 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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