This Is a Photograph
Kevin Morby · 2022
45 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
Warm melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and contemplation throughout the album's journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Is a Photograph — The title track captures the essence of the album, weaving together vivid imagery and reflective themes about memory and perception.
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A Random Act of Kindness — With its gentle instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, this track embodies the album's overarching theme of human connection and empathy.
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Bittersweet, TN — This song stands out for its narrative quality, painting a portrait of longing and nostalgia through rich storytelling and melodic hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features warm melodies and introspective lyrics, creating an engaging yet familiar indie rock experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental intro, setting a reflective tone before transitioning into the title track.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a warm and immersive soundscape.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, inviting listeners to engage with the themes of nostalgia and introspection.
- 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
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
- nostalgic reflections on past moments
- introspective melodies for quiet evenings
- warm soundscapes for thoughtful listening
- short tracks with poignant lyrics
- cathartic release after a long
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2022, Kevin Morby was establishing himself as a significant voice in indie rock after the critical success of his previous albums, including 'Sundowner' in 2020. 'This Is a Photograph', released on May 13, 2022, marks a continued evolution in his sound, blending personal storytelling with broader reflections on life and memory.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waxahatchee· Phoebe Bridgers· Margaret Glaspy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Goodbye to Good Times
The bridge reflects on fleeting moments of joy before abruptly shifting to a somber acceptance of change.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:32
- 2 This Is a Photograph 3:30
- 3 A Random Act of Kindness 4:14
- 4 Bittersweet, TN 4:13
- 5 Disappearing 3:27
- 6 A Coat of Butterflies 6:40
- 7 Rock Bottom 2:44
- 8 Forever Inside a Picture 0:14
- 9 Five Easy Pieces 4:11
- 10 Stop Before I Cry 4:58
- 11 It’s Over 5:21
- 12 Goodbye to Good Times 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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