What makes Story's Start or End by SAFIA notable?

The album received critical acclaim, particularly for its production quality and lyrical depth, helping SAFIA secure a prominent place in the Australian electronic music scene. It debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking a significant milestone in their commercial success. Released on January 1, 2019, Story's Start or End is SAFIA's debut full-length album following their successful EPs. At this point in their career, the Australian trio had gained recognition for their unique blend of electronic pop and atmospheric sound, establishing a solid fanbase and setting the stage for future creative explorations.

How many songs are on Story's Start or End?

Story's Start or End has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Story's Start or End

SAFIA · 2019

52 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal electronic soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a meditative journey through love and self-discovery.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Starlight — This track perfectly encapsulates the album's ethereal vibe with its shimmering synths and poignant lyrics about longing and connection.
→
Think About You — A standout moment that combines infectious melodies with reflective lyrics about love's complexities, showcasing SAFIA's knack for blending emotion with catchy hooks.
→
Resolution — With its driving beat and uplifting chorus, this track highlights themes of growth and acceptance, making it an anthem of personal transformation.
→
Maybe You'll Love Again — The emotional core of the album, this song weaves a narrative of heartbreak and hope, resonating deeply with listeners through its heartfelt delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric soundscapes with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet exploratory listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering synths and ambient sounds before introducing vocals.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric exploration, often fading out rather than concluding sharply.
The last three tracks shift to a more introspective tone, with slower tempos and minimalistic arrangements that create a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
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 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Think About You

The bridge shifts from nostalgic reminiscence to a direct confrontation with vulnerability, creating an emotional pivot in the song.

This structural change enhances the song’s exploration of love's uncertainties by contrasting past memories with present fears.

Tracklist

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

1 Ivory Lullaby 4:12
2 Starlight 4:04
3 Think We're Not Alone 4:05
4 Think About You 3:31
5 Resolution 4:02
6 White Lies 3:32
7 Better Off Alone 3:46
8 Runaway 3:53
9 Animal at Most 3:04
10 Vagabonds 4:27
11 Maybe You'll Love Again 4:39
12 Cellophane Rainbow 4:41
13 Story's Start or End 4:28

What to play next

Listen next

A Lover’s Guide to a Lucid Dream

2023

Go back to

Internal

2016

Full SAFIA discography Artists like SAFIA

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata