Sonder
Dermot Kennedy · 2022
13 tracks
Emotionally charged melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric soundscape that resonates deeply with the listener.
Top tracks — play these first
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Kiss Me — This track stands out for its blend of heartfelt lyrics and anthemic production, capturing the essence of longing and connection that permeates the album.
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Better Days — With its uplifting message and soaring chorus, Better Days embodies a theme of hopefulness that resonates strongly throughout Sonder.
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Already Gone — This track showcases Kennedy's ability to convey vulnerability through introspective lyrics and a minimalist arrangement that highlights his vocal strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Sonder showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar folk-pop territory.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build momentum with driving rhythms and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track shifts to a more subdued arrangement featuring solo vocals.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, where verses are quieter and build to powerful choruses, creating an emotional contrast.
- The album features recurring motifs in both melody and lyrical themes, particularly around love and introspection, which creates a cohesive narrative throughout.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- fragmented pacing encourages reflection
- evocative themes of love lost
- introspective moments for deep thought
- uplifting anthems for hopeful spirits
- atmospheric soundscapes for daydreaming
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Sonder is Dermot Kennedy's second studio album, following his breakout debut, Without Fear, released in 2019. At this point in his career, Kennedy had already established himself as a prominent voice in contemporary folk-pop, gaining significant attention and a dedicated fan base. This album showcases his growth as an artist and further solidifies his place in the music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hozier· Lewis Capaldi· James Bay
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Homeward
The chorus shifts perspective to reflect nostalgia and yearning for familiarity while acknowledging personal growth.
This structural choice contrasts past emotions with current self-awareness, deepening the song’s exploration of home as both a physical and emotional space.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Any Love
- 2 Something to Someone
- 3 Kiss Me
- 4 Dreamer
- 5 Innocence and Sadness
- 6 Divide
- 7 Homeward
- 8 One Life
- 9 Better Days
- 10 Already Gone
- 11 Blossom
- 12 Lovers Don't Die
- 13 Hammers
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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