Released 20 years ago
Treeful of Starling
Hawksley Workman · 2006
36 min · 9 tracks · pop rock
A whimsical blend of glam rock and pop that balances playful melodies with introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Moth Is Not a Butterfly — This opening track introduces the album's playful yet poignant tone, showcasing Workman's clever lyricism through vivid imagery and metaphor.
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Hey Hey Hey (My Little Beauties) — As the album's lead single, this track combines catchy hooks with lighthearted charm, embodying the album's whimsical spirit while achieving notable airplay.
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It's a Long Life to Always Be Longing — This track stands out for its contemplative lyrics and rich instrumentation, balancing melancholy with an uplifting musical backdrop and revealing deeper themes of yearning.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends playful melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often juxtapose whimsical imagery with deeper emotional themes, inviting listeners to engage on multiple levels.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for deep thoughts
- vibrant instrumentation for uplifting moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek immediate gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Treeful of Starling is Hawksley Workman's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed record, Lover/Fighter. At this point in his career, Workman had established himself as a distinctive voice in the Canadian music scene, known for his eclectic style and theatrical flair.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· T. Rex· Queen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Are Too Beautiful
The singer addresses someone directly with admiration while intertwining personal vulnerability into the narrative.
This shift to direct address intensifies the emotional connection, contrasting the album's more playful tracks by exposing a raw honesty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Moth Is Not a Butterfly 3:25
- 2 Hey Hey Hey (My Little Beauties) 3:08
- 3 You Are Too Beautiful 3:40
- 4 You and the Candles 5:04
- 5 Rain 3:01
- 6 When These Mountains Were the Seashore 3:56
- 7 It's a Long Life to Always Be Longing 4:40
- 8 Goodbye to Radio 3:51
- 9 Ice Age 5:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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