What makes The Golden Echo by Kimbra notable?

The Golden Echo received critical acclaim for its innovative production and Kimbra's vocal performance, earning a spot on several year-end best lists. It was considered a bold step forward, influencing other artists in the alternative pop scene with its genre-blurring approach. Released as Kimbra's second studio album, The Golden Echo followed her debut Vows, which had established her as a unique voice in pop music. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from the breakout success of 'Somebody That I Used to Know' into a more adventurous soundscape that blended genres and showcased her artistic growth.

Who is The Golden Echo for?

The Golden Echo works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and builds.

How many songs are on The Golden Echo?

The Golden Echo has 12 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

The Golden Echo

Kimbra · 2014

60 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

An eclectic blend of pop, R&B, and experimental sounds showcasing vibrant production and Kimbra's dynamic vocal range.

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Top tracks — play these first

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90s Music — This track serves as both a nostalgic homage and a critique of the past, merging catchy hooks with an infectious groove that encapsulates the album's playful spirit.
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Goldmine — Incorporating elements of funk and soul, this track showcases Kimbra's ability to fuse genres while delivering poignant lyrics about self-worth and resilience.
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Miracle — With its lush instrumentation and emotive delivery, this song exemplifies Kimbra's vocal prowess and her knack for crafting intimate yet expansive soundscapes.
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Everlovin’ Ya — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and lyrical depth, exploring themes of love with a refreshing perspective that highlights Kimbra's artistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Kimbra's vocal versatility and eclectic production but has moments that disrupt its flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Teen Heat', and maintains a lively tempo through the first half before introducing slower songs like 'Everlovin’ Ya'.
Kimbra employs a wide range of vocal techniques, including rapid-fire delivery and soaring melodies, particularly evident in tracks like '90s Music' and 'Goldmine'.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between styles, such as the shift from the upbeat 'Madhouse' to the more introspective 'As You Are'.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and builds
vibrant, colorful soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released as Kimbra's second studio album, The Golden Echo followed her debut Vows, which had established her as a unique voice in pop music. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from the breakout success of 'Somebody That I Used to Know' into a more adventurous soundscape that blended genres and showcased her artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors: Janelle Monáe· Bat for Lashes· Florence + the Machine