What makes Songs to Play by Robert Forster notable?

The album was well-received by critics, often praised for its lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship. It marked a significant return for Forster to solo artistry, reaffirming his place in the Australian music scene and influencing contemporary singer-songwriters with its reflective tone. Released in 2015, 'Songs to Play' is Robert Forster's first solo album in over a decade, following his 2008 release 'The Evangelist'. At this point in his career, Forster was rejuvenating his solo work after the disbandment of The Go-Betweens, showcasing a more personal and mature songwriting style.

Who is Songs to Play for?

Songs to Play works well if you're into introspective reflections on love, melodic storytelling with depth and early evening contemplative mood.

How many songs are on Songs to Play?

Songs to Play has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Songs to Play

Robert Forster · 2015

39 min · 10 tracks

A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic structures that reflect a seasoned artist's contemplative journey through love and loss.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Learn to Burn — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics about self-reflection and the passage of time, embodying the album's overarching themes.
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I'm So Happy for You — Here, Forster offers a bittersweet take on happiness and acceptance, capturing the complexity of emotions with an infectious chorus that lingers after listening.
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Disaster in Motion — This closing track encapsulates the album's exploration of life's unpredictability, blending vivid storytelling with evocative imagery that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and cohesive flow, though it remains somewhat conventional in sound.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with sparse instrumentation.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic structures, particularly in the choruses.
The album closes with a track that gradually builds in intensity before fading out, creating a sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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

introspective reflections on love
melodic storytelling with depth
early evening contemplative mood
brief bursts of emotional clarity

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat party tracks
want instant high-energy songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, 'Songs to Play' is Robert Forster's first solo album in over a decade, following his 2008 release 'The Evangelist'. At this point in his career, Forster was rejuvenating his solo work after the disbandment of The Go-Betweens, showcasing a more personal and mature songwriting style.
Stylistic neighbors: Grant McLennan· The Go-Betweens· Paul Kelly