Space Is Only Noise
Nicolas Jaar · 2011
46 min · 14 tracks · electronic music
A haunting blend of ambient textures and minimalist beats that evokes introspective journeys through sound and silence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Too Many Kids Finding Rain in the Dust — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of childhood innocence juxtaposed with more somber themes, blending organic sounds with electronic elements seamlessly.
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Space Is Only Noise If You Can See — The title track serves as a centerpiece for the album, weaving together atmospheric layers and abstract lyrics that challenge perceptions of sound and space.
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I Got A — With its hypnotic rhythm and evocative melodies, this track illustrates Jaar's ability to create immersive listening experiences, inviting deep reflection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate soundscapes and innovative use of silence create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long, evolving tracks that often blend ambient soundscapes with minimalistic beats, creating a sense of space and time.
- The first half of the album maintains a more rhythmic focus, while the latter half shifts towards more abstract and atmospheric compositions.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 introspection
- short tracks inviting deep focus
- exploratory listening in solitude
- textures that linger
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2011, Space Is Only Noise was Nicolas Jaar's debut album, marking his emergence in the electronic music scene. Prior to this release, Jaar garnered attention with his innovative approach to sound through various EPs and singles, establishing himself as a prominent figure in experimental techno and downtempo music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Max Cooper· Bonobo· Four Tet
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Être 4:49
- 2 Colomb 3:22
- 3 Sunflower 0:48
- 4 Too Many Kids Finding Rain in the Dust 3:28
- 5 Keep Me There 5:21
- 6 I Got A 4:09
- 7 Problems With the Sun 3:52
- 8 Space Is Only Noise If You Can See 5:42
- 9 Almost Fell 2:32
- 10 Balance Her in Between Your Eyes 3:45
- 11 Specters of the Future 1:58
- 12 Trace 0:23
- 13 Variations 3:21
- 14 ^tre 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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