The Deep Blue cover

The Deep Blue

Charlotte Hatherley · 2007

46 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A blend of introspective rock melodies and evocative lyrics, creating a hauntingly atmospheric soundscape throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Be Thankful — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and melodic structure, encapsulating themes of gratitude and emotional resilience that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Wounded Sky — The song's intricate instrumentation paired with poignant lyrics showcases Hatherley's ability to convey vulnerability, making it a highlight of emotional depth on the record.
  • →
    Roll Over (Let It Go) — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this track contrasts with the more somber themes elsewhere, illustrating Hatherley’s versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar work that creates a rich atmospheric backdrop, particularly in 'Wounded Sky' and 'Dawn Treader'.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal themes, with a notable shift in tone from introspective to more assertive in tracks like 'Behave'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • atmospheric background focus
  • introspective listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, The Deep Blue marked Charlotte Hatherley's third solo album following her departure from Ash. At this point in her career, she was establishing her identity as a solo artist after gaining recognition for her guitar work and songwriting in the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent· Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Be Thankful

    The narrative shifts from reflection to acknowledgment of personal growth through challenges.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cousteau 1:51
  • 2 Be Thankful 5:23
  • 3 I Want You to Know 2:43
  • 4 Again 4:21
  • 5 Wounded Sky 3:37
  • 6 Behave 4:02
  • 7 Love’s Young Dream 4:03
  • 8 Roll Over (Let It Go) 4:24
  • 9 Very Young 2:53
  • 10 Dawn Treader 4:01
  • 11 It Isn’t Over 3:19
  • 12 Siberia / Fun Boy, Fun Boy 5:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata