The Special Ones
Missy Higgins · 2018
78 min · 20 tracks · rock music
A tender blend of folk and rock, rich with emotional storytelling and introspective melodies that linger long after listening.
Top tracks — play these first
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Arrows Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Scar — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about vulnerability and healing. Its raw honesty has made it a fan favorite since its original release.
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The Special Two — The song stands out for its heartfelt narrative about love and connection, showcasing Higgins' ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful lyrics.
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Where I Stood — This track highlights Higgins' signature storytelling style, reflecting on moments of loss and reflection, and resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth but has some cohesion issues due to bonus tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- introspective late-night vibes
- emotional storytelling journeys
- gentle background contemplation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — This album marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- The Special Ones is Missy Higgins' fourth studio album, released after a four-year hiatus following her previous album, Oz. This period marked a significant return for Higgins as she transitioned to a more mature sound while exploring deeper lyrical themes. The album showcases her continued evolution as an artist, building upon the success and critical acclaim of her earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Mitchell· Sia· Natalie Imbruglia
Tracklist
- 1 Arrows Start here 4:48
- 2 All for Believing (Original Demo) 2:55
- 3 Scar 3:33
- 4 Ten Days 3:46
- 5 The Special Two 4:26
- 6 Steer 3:50
- 7 Where I Stood 4:17
- 8 Peachy 2:39
- 9 Unashamed Desire 3:29
- 10 Everyone's Waiting 3:49
- 11 Set Me on Fire 3:36
- 12 Shark Fin Blues 5:14
- 13 NYE 3:55
- 14 Futon Couch 3:26
- 15 49 Candles 3:16
- 16 Cemetery 4:08
- 17 Oh Canada 4:29
- 18 Throw Your Arms Around Me (Live) 5:42
- 19 Torchlight 4:26
- 20 Run so Fast (feat. Ben Abraham) 3:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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