State of Mind cover

State of Mind

Raul Midón · 2005

49 min · 13 tracks · house music

A vibrant blend of soul, flamenco, and pop that showcases intricate guitar work and heartfelt storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    State of Mind — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of introspection and resilience, showcasing Midón's signature guitar style and vocal prowess.
  • →
    If You're Gonna Leave — This track stands out for its emotional depth and poignant lyrics about love and loss, highlighting Midón's storytelling ability.
  • →
    Everybody — With its infectious groove and uplifting message, this song exemplifies the album's overall optimism while blending soulful melodies with rhythmic complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and varied tempos, blending genres effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate guitar work that often blends flamenco techniques with soulful melodies, creating a unique sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate vocal harmonies, but the instrumental sections are prominent, allowing the guitar to take center stage.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the tracks, with some maintaining a steady groove while others shift to more complex rhythms.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • heartfelt vocals with vibrant energy
  • upbeat tracks for joyful moments
  • cathartic expressions of love
  • inviting sing-along choruses
  • for sunny afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer dark, brooding themes
  • seek instant gratification only

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, State of Mind is Raul Midón's debut album after signing with the independent label, Manhaton Records. At this point in his career, Midón had been performing for years but had not yet gained widespread recognition outside of intimate venues. This album marked a significant step in establishing his unique sound and lyrical depth to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Leon Bridges· José González· Anderson .Paak

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • If You're Gonna Leave

    The lyrics shift from resignation to a plea for understanding and connection just before the chorus hits.

    This transition amplifies the emotional stakes, contrasting vulnerability with a yearning for resolution.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 State of Mind 3:25
  • 2 If You're Gonna Leave 3:51
  • 3 Keep on Hoping 4:32
  • 4 Mystery Girl 4:22
  • 5 Waited All My Life 4:36
  • 6 Everybody 4:01
  • 7 Expressions of Love 2:49
  • 8 Sittin' in the Middle 3:32
  • 9 Suddenly 3:32
  • 10 Never Get Enough 3:45
  • 11 Sunshine (I Can Fly) 4:33
  • 12 I Would Do Anything 3:34
  • 13 All in Your Mind 3:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata