The Way It Feels
Heather Nova · 2015
53 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective landscape that is both soothing and poignant.
Top tracks — play these first
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Treehouse Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sea Glass — This track encapsulates the album’s ethereal atmosphere, with its delicate instrumentation and contemplative lyrics about transformation and resilience.
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Lie Down in the Bed You've Made — The song features powerful storytelling, addressing themes of regret and self-reflection that resonate throughout the album.
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Women's Hands — This track stands out for its poignant narrative celebrating femininity and strength, delivered through Nova's signature emotive vocal style.
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 melodies, creating a reflective yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal quality, particularly in 'Sea Glass' and 'This Humanness'.
- The lyrics often reflect personal introspection and emotional themes, with a focus on nature and human experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective melodies for quiet times
- melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere
- suitable for thoughtful listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced energizing tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued artistic growth and emotional depth in Heather Nova's sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2015, The Way It Feels is Heather Nova's seventh studio album, following her 2011 release, 300 Days at Sea. At this point in her career, she was exploring more intimate themes and acoustic soundscapes, establishing a deeper connection with her audience after a four-year hiatus. This album marked a continued evolution of her sound while maintaining the lyrical depth fans expect from her.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Natalie Merchant· Tori Amos· Sarah McLachlan
Tracklist
- 1 Treehouse Start here 5:15
- 2 Sea Glass 3:56
- 3 The Archaeologist 4:06
- 4 Girl on the Mountain 5:19
- 5 Lie Down in the Bed You've Made 3:34
- 6 On My Radar 4:32
- 7 Sleeping Dogs 4:29
- 8 Sea Change 3:48
- 9 This Humanness 4:39
- 10 I'm Air 3:55
- 11 Women's Hands 5:28
- 12 Moon River Days 4:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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