The Other Side of Desire
Rickie Lee Jones · 2015
46 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through jazz-influenced pop melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jimmy Choos — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melody and playful lyrics about love and fashion, establishing the album's reflective yet vibrant atmosphere.
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Haunted — In 'Haunted', Jones delivers a poignant exploration of past relationships through haunting melodies, showcasing her lyrical prowess and emotional vulnerability.
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Infinity — 'Infinity' is a standout track where Jones employs a dreamlike quality in her vocals, conveying a sense of longing and timelessness that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz influences with pop melodies, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered instrumentation, gradually introducing more complex arrangements in subsequent songs.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and improvisational sections, particularly evident in 'Valtz de mon pere'.
- The lyrics across the album often employ vivid imagery and personal storytelling, creating a narrative thread that connects many 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- intimate storytelling focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
- contemplative late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, The Other Side of Desire marked Rickie Lee Jones' first studio album in a decade, following her 2009 release Balm in Gilead. At this stage in her career, Jones was exploring new musical landscapes while reflecting on personal experiences and relationships, showcasing her evolution as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Nina Simone· Steely Dan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Blinded by the Hunt
The moment describes a shift from desire to disillusionment, capturing the complexity of searching for connection amidst chaos.
This moment's progression from optimism to realization offers insight into the duality of human experience, marking a significant thematic pivot within the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Jimmy Choos 3:57
- 2 Valtz de mon pere (Lovers’ Waltz) 4:35
- 3 J’ai connais pas 3:29
- 4 Blinded by the Hunt 3:25
- 5 Infinity 5:30
- 6 I Wasn’t Here 4:07
- 7 Christmas in New Orleans 4:49
- 8 Haunted 5:22
- 9 Feet on the Ground 6:30
- 10 Juliette 1:27
- 11 Finale; (A Spider in the Circus of the Falling Star) 3:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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