Take Me to the Land of Hell
Yoko Ono · 2013
42 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
Experimental soundscapes intertwine with provocative lyrics, blending elements of rock, electronic, and avant-garde artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moonbeams Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cheshire Cat Cry — This track encapsulates Ono's unique vocal delivery and lyrical playfulness, merging whimsy with deeper existential reflections, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Bad Dancer — In 'Bad Dancer,' Ono critiques conventional notions of dance and expression through pulsating rhythms and candid lyrics, exemplifying her experimental style.
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Take Me to the Land of Hell — The title track serves as a powerful anthem that blends dark imagery with a catchy melody, representing the album’s thematic core of confronting chaos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends experimental elements with provocative lyrics, showcasing Ono's unique artistic voice.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and a slow build-up of instrumentation, creating an atmospheric introduction.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and unconventional song structures, often shifting from melodic sections to more chaotic soundscapes.
- The lyrics frequently address themes of conflict and identity, delivered with Ono's distinctive vocal style that oscillates between singing and spoken word.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- dynamic exploration of emotions
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- vibrant collage of sounds
- cathartic release through experimentation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Features a deliberate departure into experimental soundscapes and themes.
- Themes
- avant-garde expression· social commentary· dark whimsy
- Career context
- When Yoko Ono released Take Me to the Land of Hell in 2013, she was in a phase of artistic resurgence after several years of relative quiet. This album followed her 2009 effort, Between My Head and the Sky, showcasing her continued exploration of sound and social commentary, further cementing her legacy as an influential figure in contemporary music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laurie Anderson· Stereolab· Animal Collective
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Little Boy Blue Your Daddy’s Gone
The song shifts from playful imagery to stark revelations about absence and loss without losing its whimsical tone.
This juxtaposition highlights Ono's ability to blend light-heartedness with profound themes, encouraging listeners to engage with layered meanings.
Tracklist
- 1 Moonbeams Start here 5:48
- 2 Cheshire Cat Cry 4:57
- 3 Tabetai 2:45
- 4 Bad Dancer 3:10
- 5 Little Boy Blue Your Daddy’s Gone 3:46
- 6 There’s No Goodbye Between Us 2:41
- 7 7th Floor 3:05
- 8 N.Y. Noodle Town 3:14
- 9 Take Me to the Land of Hell 3:23
- 10 Watching the Dawn 2:47
- 11 Leaving Tim 2:48
- 12 Shine, Shine 4:00
- 13 Hawk’s Call 0:15
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Explores dark whimsy and avant-garde soundscapes with haunting vocals and experimental production.
Biophilia
Björk
Merges electronic elements with nature-themed social commentary, showcasing innovative sound design.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Combines experimental sounds with layered harmonies and playful yet introspective lyrics in a vibrant mix.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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