Sorceress
Jess Williamson · 2020
42 min · 11 tracks
A haunting blend of folk and indie rock, weaving ethereal melodies with introspective lyrics across atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Smoke — The opening track establishes the album's dreamy atmosphere with its lush instrumentation and contemplative lyrics about nostalgia and longing.
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Infinite Scroll — This track stands out for its commentary on modern life's distractions, blending catchy melodies with poignant observations about connection in a digital age.
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Gulf of Mexico — Closing the album, this song encapsulates Williamson's exploration of personal and geographical landscapes, pairing vivid imagery with an emotional resonance that lingers.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and indie rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a slow, atmospheric build with layered instrumentation that gradually introduces more complex arrangements.
- Several songs feature a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the ethereal quality of the melodies.
- The album includes moments of silence between tracks, creating a contemplative space that invites 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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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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- dreamy, introspective listening sessions
- gentle emotional exploration
- thoughtful background ambiance
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- 'Sorceress' is Jess Williamson's third studio album, following her acclaimed 2018 release 'Cosmic Wink.' By this point in her career, she had established a distinct sound that merges elements of folk and pop, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and artist. The album's release in May 2020 marked a significant moment, as it coincided with the global pandemic, influencing its introspective themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Margaret Glaspy· Phoebe Bridgers· Lucy Dacus
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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As the Birds Are
A lyrical pivot where the imagery shifts from serene nature scenes to reflections on personal solitude.
This construction contrasts tranquility with internal struggle, effectively deepening the emotional impact of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Smoke 3:31
- 2 As the Birds Are 3:50
- 3 Wind on Tin 3:06
- 4 Sorceress 4:37
- 5 Infinite Scroll 4:11
- 6 Love's Not Hard to Find 3:49
- 7 How Ya Lonesome 4:39
- 8 Rosaries at the Border 3:55
- 9 Ponies in Town 3:45
- 10 Harm None 3:20
- 11 Gulf of Mexico 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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