What makes Standing at the Sky's Edge by Richard Hawley notable?

The album was well-received by critics, with The Guardian praising its ambitious scope and emotional depth. It peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, further establishing Hawley as an influential artist in the rock genre. Released in 2012, Standing at the Sky's Edge marked Richard Hawley's fifth studio album, continuing his exploration of rich sonic textures. Following the critical acclaim of his previous work, this album solidified his status as a prominent figure in contemporary British music while showcasing a more expansive sound.

Who is Standing at the Sky's Edge for?

Standing at the Sky's Edge works well if you're into gradual build to emotional resolution, introspective moments of longing and steady pacing for reflective listening.

How many songs are on Standing at the Sky's Edge?

Standing at the Sky's Edge has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Standing at the Sky's Edge

Richard Hawley · 2012

50 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A lush blend of atmospheric rock and haunting melodies that evoke a deep sense of yearning and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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She Brings The Sunlight — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping instrumentation and uplifting lyrics, capturing the essence of hope and renewal.
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Standing At The Sky's Edge — The title track features a powerful blend of reflective lyrics and driving rhythms, embodying the album's themes of longing and existential contemplation.
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Time Will Bring You Winter — This song stands out for its melancholic beauty, utilizing vivid imagery to convey a sense of inevitable change and the passage of time.
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Leave Your Body Behind You — With its ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics, this track delves into themes of transcendence and self-discovery, making it a pivotal moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features rich textures and emotional depth, with a strong focus on atmosphere and introspection.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a gradual intensity, with layered instrumentation that swells before the fourth track introduces a more stripped-back arrangement.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric development, creating a sense of space and reflection.
The album closes with a bonus track that contrasts the preceding material by adopting a more subdued and contemplative tone.

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

Influence 4/10

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

gradual build to emotional resolution
introspective moments of longing
steady pacing for reflective listening
atmospheric soundscapes for solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2012, Standing at the Sky's Edge marked Richard Hawley's fifth studio album, continuing his exploration of rich sonic textures. Following the critical acclaim of his previous work, this album solidified his status as a prominent figure in contemporary British music while showcasing a more expansive sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Scott Matthews· Elbow· The Last Shadow Puppets