What makes Ten Lives by Gwyneth Herbert notable?

'Ten Lives' received critical acclaim for its unique approach to jazz and storytelling, earning Herbert a nomination for an Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) Album of the Year award. The album's success cemented her reputation within the jazz community and contributed to her influence on contemporary British jazz artists. By the time 'Ten Lives' was released in 2008, Gwyneth Herbert had already established herself as a notable voice in the UK jazz scene, following her debut album 'First Songs' in 2005. This sophomore effort marked a significant evolution in her sound and songwriting, showcasing her growth as an artist with deeper lyrical exploration and eclectic musical influences.

How many songs are on Ten Lives?

Ten Lives has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Ten Lives

Gwyneth Herbert · 2008

39 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A blend of jazz-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics revealing the complexities of modern life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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So Worn Out — Opening with a gentle yet haunting melody, this track encapsulates the album's themes of fatigue and introspection, setting the emotional tone for the journey ahead.
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Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Is — This track stands out with its playful lyricism and catchy refrain, cleverly critiquing societal expectations while maintaining a light-heartedness that showcases Herbert's wit.
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Midnight Oil — With its rich instrumental arrangement, this song highlights Herbert's vocal prowess and ability to convey vulnerability, making it a poignant centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with storytelling, showcasing unique melodies and a strong narrative approach.

What we noticed

The first four tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fifth track introduces a faster tempo that shifts the album's energy.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional jazz instrumentation, creating a narrative quality.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 So Worn Out 3:33
2 My Narrow Man 3:36
3 Lorelie 3:39
4 Nataliya 2:59
5 Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Is 4:40
6 Petite Cacahuète 3:27
7 Jane Into A Beauty Queen 3:04
8 My Mini And Me 4:30
9 Si C'est Ça 2:54
10 Some Days I Forget 3:54
11 Midnight Oil 3:35

What to play next

Listen next

All the Ghosts

2009

Go back to

Between Me and the Wardrobe

2006

Full Gwyneth Herbert discography Artists like Gwyneth Herbert

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata