The Beast
Angus & Julia Stone · 2007
24 min · 6 tracks · folk music
A haunting blend of folk and indie pop, woven together with tender harmonies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Beast Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rich harmonies and vivid imagery, setting the tone for their exploration of complex emotions.
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Little Bird — This track showcases a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, highlighted by its intricate melodies that linger long after listening.
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Choking — With its hauntingly beautiful arrangement, Choking addresses themes of struggle and resilience, making it a standout moment in the album’s narrative arc.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal harmonies and introspective lyrics, establishing a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow tempo and builds gradually, while the following tracks maintain a similar pace with subtle variations in instrumentation.
- Vocals are often layered, with Angus and Julia harmonizing closely, creating a rich texture that emphasizes their lyrical themes.
- The album features several tracks that utilize minimalistic arrangements, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage without overwhelming production.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- haunting storytelling with intimacy
- gradual build towards emotional resolution
- morning coffee reflective moments
- short bursts of lyrical depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that established their reputation in the indie music scene.
- Themes
- vulnerable storytelling· emotional struggle
- Career context
- Released as their debut studio album, The Beast marked Angus & Julia Stone’s entry into the music scene after their initial success with independent EPs. At this point in their career, the duo was still establishing their signature sound, combining heartfelt storytelling with melodic instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Paper Kites· First Aid Kit· Ben Howard
Tracklist
- 1 The Beast Start here 3:50
- 2 Purple Skivvy 2:50
- 3 I'll Wait 3:00
- 4 Mother Hubbard's Shoe 5:46
- 5 Choking 4:30
- 6 Little Bird 4:16
What to play next
A Book Like This
2007
Continues the haunting folk sound with rich harmonies and introspective themes.
Chocolates and Cigarettes
2006
Sets the stage with a similar indie vibe, introducing their sound.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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