The Golden Age cover

The Golden Age

Yoann Lemoine · 2013

48 min · 14 tracks · indie pop

A cinematic blend of orchestral arrangements and evocative lyrics that forge a sweeping emotional landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Run Boy Run — This track stands out for its energetic drive and motivational lyrics, encapsulating the album's themes of resilience and self-discovery while showcasing Woodkid's signature orchestral-pop style.
  • →
    The Great Escape — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track captures the album's exploration of longing and freedom, representing a pivotal emotional moment within the overall narrative.
  • →
    Boat Song — This song features an atmospheric arrangement that immerses listeners in its storytelling, marking a serene yet poignant exploration of life's journey and connection to nature.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines lush orchestration with evocative lyrics, creating a distinctive sound within indie pop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a gradual build-up of orchestral elements, setting a cinematic tone for the record.
  • Each song typically incorporates layered instrumentation, often blending strings and percussion to create a rich soundscape.
  • Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, with moments of quiet introspection followed by powerful crescendos.
  • The lyrical themes often explore personal and existential topics, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • mid-tempo reflective moments
  • cinematic soundscapes for immersion
  • emotional depth and nostalgia

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon releasing The Golden Age, Yoann Lemoine, known as Woodkid, was transitioning from his successful debut EP to full-length albums, solidifying his unique sound. This album marked his first major project after gaining international attention with his earlier singles and music videos, establishing him as a key figure in the indie pop scene.
Stylistic neighbors
James Blake· Sufjan Stevens· Bat for Lashes

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Great Escape

    A pivotal verse shifts from hopeful aspirations to a stark confrontation with reality, illustrating a struggle between dreams and limitations.

    This transition emphasizes the conflict inherent in pursuing one's desires, enhancing the emotional weight of the song's narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Golden Age 3:46
  • 2 Run Boy Run 3:35
  • 3 The Great Escape 3:16
  • 4 Boat Song 4:32
  • 5 I Love You 3:52
  • 6 The Shore 4:15
  • 7 Ghost Lights 3:42
  • 8 Shadows 2:06
  • 9 Stabat Mater 2:51
  • 10 Conquest of Spaces 4:31
  • 11 Falling 0:45
  • 12 Where I Live 4:26
  • 13 Iron 3:23
  • 14 The Other Side 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata