Topaz
Israel Nash · 2021
44 min · 10 tracks · alternative country
A lush blend of alternative country and rock, rich with atmospheric melodies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Down In The Country — This track encapsulates the album's essence through its vivid imagery of rural life, paired with a driving melody that reflects nostalgia and longing.
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Southern Coasts — With its sweeping soundscapes and heartfelt lyrics, this song illustrates Nash's ability to evoke a sense of place while addressing personal themes.
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Howling Wind — This track stands out with its haunting vocals and intricate guitar work, capturing the emotional weight of change and reflection central to the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Topaz showcases intricate instrumentation and atmospheric melodies, solidifying Nash's place in alternative country.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation with prominent guitar riffs and harmonized vocals, establishing a rich sonic landscape.
- Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections that build gradually, allowing for atmospheric exploration before returning to lyrical themes.
- The album closes with a track that features a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling.
- 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
- introspective road trip soundtrack
- lush melodies for quiet moments
- warmth of late afternoon sun
- reflective listening during solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Topaz' was released in 2021, Israel Nash had already established himself as a notable figure in the alternative country scene with his previous albums. This album followed his critically acclaimed 'Lifted' from 2018, showcasing a matured sound that blends personal storytelling with expansive musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes· My Morning Jacket
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Closer
The bridge shifts perspective to directly address an intimate relationship, creating a moment of vulnerability amidst the reflective tone of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dividing Lines 4:30
- 2 Closer 5:31
- 3 Down In The Country 3:34
- 4 Southern Coasts 3:36
- 5 Stay 5:05
- 6 Canyonheart 3:52
- 7 Indiana 3:23
- 8 Howling Wind 4:51
- 9 Sutherland Springs 4:41
- 10 Pressure 5:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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