The Black Swan
The Triffids · 1989
46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of alternative rock and poetic lyricism, creating a soundscape both lush and melancholic.
Top tracks — play these first
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Falling Over You — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its vivid imagery and intricate arrangements, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody with introspective lyrics.
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Good Fortune Rose — With its evocative storytelling and lush instrumentation, this song stands out as a highlight that captures the essence of longing and hope prevalent throughout the album.
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Butterflies Into Worms — This track features a rich metaphorical narrative that reflects transformation and change, illustrating The Triffids' skill in crafting poignant lyrical moments set against a compelling musical backdrop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a distinct sound that resonates within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a lush soundscape that contrasts with the sparse lyrical delivery.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and metaphor, enhancing the poetic quality of the songs.
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- melancholic reflections on love
- haunting melodies for introspection
- short tracks for focused listening
- poetic narratives that linger
- evocative soundscapes for solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeks upbeat party anthems
- prefers long, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, The Black Swan was The Triffids' fourth studio album and marked their transition into a more mature sound following the critically acclaimed Born Sandy Devotional. At this time, the band was gaining traction internationally, particularly in the UK, as they solidified their place within the Australian alternative music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Go-Betweens· The Church· The Bats
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Falling Over You
The verse shifts perspective dramatically, inviting listeners into an intimate and vulnerable space.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Too Hot to Move 4:12
- 2 American Sailors 0:40
- 3 Falling Over You 3:42
- 4 Goodbye Little Boy 3:27
- 5 Bottle of Love 2:52
- 6 The Spinning Top Song 3:34
- 7 Butterflies Into Worms 3:19
- 8 The Clown Prince 4:37
- 9 Good Fortune Rose 3:32
- 10 New Year's Greetings 5:43
- 11 One Mechanic Town 3:10
- 12 Blackeyed Susan 4:01
- 13 Fairytale Love 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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