Turning the Mind
Maps · 2009
58 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a lush atmosphere that balances melancholy and hope.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Turning the Mind — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of emotional turmoil through its haunting melodies and layered instrumentation, setting the thematic tone.
-
→
I Dream of Crystal — This track showcases a delicate balance between dreamlike soundscapes and poignant lyrics about longing, reflecting the album's overarching emotional landscape.
-
→
Valium in the Sunshine — With its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against reflective lyrics, this song illustrates the tension between external brightness and internal struggle, a recurring theme throughout the album.
-
→
Everything Is Shattering — The track stands out for its climactic build-up and raw vulnerability, capturing a moment of existential reflection that resonates with listeners seeking depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build a gradual crescendo, layering synths and vocals before the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic pulse.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that create an immersive atmosphere, allowing for introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- dreamlike emotional exploration
- introspective soundscape immersion
- gentle pacing for reflection
- cathartic moments of release
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast tempos
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2009, Turning the Mind marked Maps' second album following their acclaimed debut, We Can Create. At this point in his career, James Chapman was solidifying his sound while expanding his sonic palette, aiming to build upon his initial success and explore deeper emotional themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- M83· The Album Leaf· Tycho
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Turning the Mind 5:58
- 2 I Dream of Crystal 5:24
- 3 Let Go of the Fear 4:48
- 4 Valium in the Sunshine 4:23
- 5 Papercuts 4:02
- 6 Love Will Come 5:15
- 7 Everything Is Shattering 5:52
- 8 Nothing 5:02
- 9 The Note (These Voices) 4:07
- 10 Chemeleon 4:47
- 11 Die Happy, Die Smiling 5:23
- 12 Without You 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.