To Be Still
Alela Diane · 2009
47 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and delicate melodies that weave through themes of nature and personal reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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To Be Still — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of contemplation and resilience, featuring lush instrumentation that complements Diane's ethereal vocals.
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Dry Grass & Shadows — Opening the album, this track sets a reflective tone with its vivid imagery and gentle acoustic arrangement, establishing Diane's lyrical prowess right away.
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The Alder Trees — This song stands out for its evocative storytelling and haunting melody, illustrating Diane’s ability to create a sense of place that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends delicate melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship but with some conventional elements.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a gentle, flowing backdrop for the vocals.
- Several songs incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection that contrasts with the more structured earlier 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- haunting melodies for quiet evenings
- introspective moments in nature
- gentle pacing for reflective walks
- soothing vocals for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party energy
- prefer fast-paced, instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2009, Alela Diane released To Be Still as her second studio album, following her critically acclaimed debut, The Pirate's Gospel. This record marks a significant moment in her career as it showcases her evolution from a promising folk artist to a more mature songwriter with deeper thematic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Marling· Joanna Newsom· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dry Grass & Shadows 3:11
- 2 White as Diamonds 3:36
- 3 Age Old Blue 3:59
- 4 To Be Still 5:26
- 5 Take Us Back 4:43
- 6 The Alder Trees 3:27
- 7 My Brambles 4:58
- 8 The Ocean 3:42
- 9 Every Path 4:12
- 10 Tatted Lace 4:47
- 11 Lady Divine 5:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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