The Greater Wings
Julie Byrne · 2023
49 min · 14 tracks · indie folk
A serene exploration of introspection and nature, blending delicate melodies with ethereal vocals in a meditative soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Greater Wings — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of freedom and transcendence through vivid imagery and haunting melodies that linger long after listening.
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Lightning Comes Up From the Ground — This song features powerful contrasts between soft vocals and dynamic instrumentation, illustrating the tension between vulnerability and strength present throughout the album.
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Death Is the Diamond — With its poignant reflections on mortality and beauty, this track stands out for its emotional weight and lyrical sophistication, making it a centerpiece of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with ethereal soundscapes, creating a serene listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent, slow tempo, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and instrumentation.
- Byrne's vocals often float above the instrumentation, creating a layered effect where melodies intertwine with ambient sounds.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for moments of reflection, contributing to the meditative quality of the album.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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
- intimate moments of reflection
- steady progression through emotions
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
- immersive soundscapes for solitude
- thoughtful melodies for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 7, 2023, 'The Greater Wings' marks Julie Byrne's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed 'Not Even Happiness' from 2017. At this point in her career, she has solidified her voice within the indie folk genre, gaining recognition for her lyrical depth and atmospheric sound. This album arrives as a reflection of her artistic growth since her previous releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Margaret Glaspy· Phoebe Bridgers· Sufjan Stevens
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hope's Return
The bridge shifts perspective from hopefulness to uncertainty while describing a moment of quiet realization amidst life's chaos.
This structural shift reflects a deepening complexity in the emotional landscape of the song, moving away from certainty into a more nuanced contemplation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Greater Wings 3:24
- 2 Portrait of a Clear Day 3:20
- 3 Moonless 3:46
- 4 Summer Glass 4:19
- 5 Summer's End 2:55
- 6 Lightning Comes Up From the Ground 4:00
- 7 Flare 3:47
- 8 Conversation Is a Flowstate 3:38
- 9 Hope's Return 4:04
- 10 Death Is the Diamond 5:08
Disc 2
- 1 '22 1:57
- 2 These Days 3:33
- 3 Velocity! What About the Inertia!? 2:49
- 4 Entropy Increasing 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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