Things Take Time, Take Time
Courtney Barnett · 2021
34 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A tender exploration of everyday moments wrapped in warm melodies and introspective lyrics that invite quiet contemplation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rae Street — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its gentle instrumentation and relatable storytelling about finding beauty in ordinary experiences.
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Before You Gotta Go — Here, Barnett offers an intimate moment of vulnerability, capturing the bittersweet feelings surrounding farewells with poignant imagery and a delicate melody.
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Write a List of Things to Look Forward To — This track stands out for its optimistic message and catchy chorus, embodying the album’s theme of hope amidst uncertainty through simple yet evocative lyrics.
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 warm melodies, creating a cohesive yet varied 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 conversational lyrics that reflect on personal experiences, creating a relatable narrative throughout.
- The instrumentation often includes layered guitars and soft percussion, contributing to a warm, inviting sound that supports the lyrical themes.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- short tracks for casual listening
- warm melodies for peaceful afternoons
- thoughtful exploration of daily life
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer longer, epic narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 12, 2021, Things Take Time, Take Time is Courtney Barnett's third studio album, following her acclaimed 2018 release Tell Me How You Really Feel. At this point in her career, Barnett had established herself as a distinctive voice in indie rock, known for her witty lyricism and laid-back sound, making this album a continuation of her artistic evolution while reflecting on personal growth during a challenging period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Julia Jacklin· Alvvays· Phoebe Bridgers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight
The moment shifts from uncertainty to acceptance as the narrator contemplates potential silence in a relationship.
This transition highlights a deeper emotional maturity that contrasts earlier anxieties present in Barnett's previous works.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rae Street 4:31
- 2 Sunfair Sundown 2:45
- 3 Here’s the Thing 4:28
- 4 Before You Gotta Go 3:46
- 5 Turning Green 4:19
- 6 Take It Day by Day 1:51
- 7 If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight 3:38
- 8 Write a List of Things to Look Forward To 2:48
- 9 Splendour 2:15
- 10 Oh the Night 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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