The Bachelor
Patrick Wolf · 2009
52 min · 14 tracks · electronic music
A vibrant tapestry of electronic soundscapes intertwined with theatrical pop and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Hard Times — This track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of struggle and resilience through its pulsating beats and poignant lyrics, showcasing Wolf's ability to blend vulnerability with anthemic sound.
-
→
Oblivion — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, Oblivion serves as a standout moment that highlights Wolf's lyrical depth and unique sound construction.
-
→
Vulture — Vulture combines darkly poetic lyrics with an infectious rhythm, illustrating Wolf's knack for marrying emotional content with catchy hooks while exploring themes of self-doubt.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and production choices, blending electronic and orchestral elements effectively.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and brass, which create a theatrical quality that contrasts with the electronic base.
- The album's final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that resonates with the themes of uncertainty present throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- introspective moments of self-reflection
- eclectic soundscapes for exploration
- short tracks for focused listening
- emotional depth in lyrical themes
- cathartic releases through dynamic shifts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, upbeat tracks
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, The Bachelor marked Patrick Wolf's fourth studio album, arriving after a significant personal upheaval that included the end of a long-term relationship. This album showcased Wolf's transition towards a more mature sound, incorporating orchestral elements alongside his electronic roots, following the critical success of his previous album, The Magic Position.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bat for Lashes· Imogen Heap· Lana Del Rey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Kriegspiel 0:47
- 2 Hard Times 3:33
- 3 Oblivion 3:23
- 4 The Bachelor 3:13
- 5 Damaris 5:28
- 6 Thickets 4:07
- 7 Count of Casualty 5:03
- 8 Who Will? 3:31
- 9 Vulture 3:22
- 10 Blackdown 5:21
- 11 The Sun Is Often Out 3:33
- 12 Theseus 4:40
- 13 Battle 3:06
- 14 The Messenger 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.