The Adult Storybook
Joanna Wang · 2009
10 tracks
A whimsical blend of jazz, pop, and bossa nova with introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of adulthood.
Top tracks — play these first
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Longing for Romance — This track stands out for its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics that poignantly articulate the yearning inherent in adult relationships.
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I Guess I’m Paranoid — With its clever wordplay and jazzy undertones, this song captures the essence of anxiety in modern life while showcasing Wang's vocal versatility.
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Even If We Did — This track features a unique blend of playful melodies and introspective lyrics, exemplifying Wang's ability to intertwine humor with deeper emotional themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a unique blend of genres with thoughtful lyrics, making it distinct yet cohesive.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a playful, mid-tempo track that sets a whimsical tone, followed by a shift to more introspective themes in the subsequent songs.
- Several tracks feature intricate jazz chord progressions, while others incorporate bossa nova rhythms, creating a varied sonic landscape.
- The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, with characters and scenarios that reflect on adult life and its complexities.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- whimsical storytelling with humor
- playful reflections on adulthood
- lighthearted yet poignant narratives
- suitable for casual gatherings
- engaging lyrics for discussion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer serious, heavy themes
- seek straightforward formats
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2009, Joanna Wang had already made a name for herself as a unique voice in the Taiwanese music scene with her debut album, 'Start from Here', released in 2007. 'The Adult Storybook' was her sophomore effort, showcasing her artistic growth and deeper exploration of personal themes after gaining initial recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Faye Wong· Lisa Hannigan· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Adult Crap
- 2 I Guess I’m Paranoid
- 3 Longing for Romance
- 4 His Remedy
- 5 Nobody’s a Nun
- 6 Even If We Did
- 7 How I Feel About Businessmen
- 8 Man
- 9 Palpitation
- 10 I’m Pathetic Enough
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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