To Drink the Rainbow
Tanita Tikaram · 2019
55 min · 14 tracks · folk music
An intimate collection of acoustic folk-pop melodies that blend heartfelt storytelling with evocative instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Love (acoustic) Start here — This track opens the album with a tender simplicity, showcasing Tikaram’s vocal warmth and lyrical depth, setting an intimate tone for the entire record.
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Only the Ones We Love — With its poignant exploration of love and loss, this song exemplifies Tikaram's ability to weave emotional narratives into captivating melodies.
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Every Day Is New — This track stands out for its hopeful message and uplifting arrangement, highlighting Tikaram’s growth and resilience through beautifully crafted lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album presents a solid return to form with heartfelt melodies and cohesive pacing but lacks standout innovation.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and soft percussion, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for reflective moments that contrast with the earlier songs.
- 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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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 melodic journey throughout
- reflective soundscape for contemplation
- gentle acoustic intimacy
- background warmth for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a successful return after a decade, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released in 2019, To Drink the Rainbow is Tanita Tikaram's first album in over a decade since Can't Go Back (2008). At this point in her career, Tikaram was embracing a more stripped-back sound, returning to her roots after a period of exploration in different musical styles. This album reflects both a personal and artistic reinvention for the artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Natalie Merchant· Lisa Hannigan· Sarah McLachlan
Tracklist
- 1 My Love (acoustic) Start here 3:49
- 2 Play Me Again 3:47
- 3 Cool Waters 4:12
- 4 Only the Ones We Love 2:53
- 5 Trouble 3:57
- 6 I Think of You - E penso a te 4:19
- 7 The Way You Move 2:54
- 8 Love Is Just a Word 3:40
- 9 Amore Si 4:01
- 10 To Drink the Rainbow (acoustic) 3:34
- 11 Can’t Go Back 3:51
- 12 Every Day Is New 4:57
- 13 Glass Love Train (L.A. version) 5:00
- 14 Valentine Heart (acoustic) 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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