What makes Until the Earth Begins to Part by Broken Records notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable features in publications like The Guardian and NME. It helped solidify Broken Records' position within the indie folk movement of the late 2000s, influencing subsequent artists with its emotive storytelling and rich instrumentation. Until the Earth Begins to Part was Broken Records' debut album, released in January 2009. At this point, the band had built a reputation for their captivating live performances and had been gaining momentum on the UK indie scene. This album marked their formal introduction to a wider audience, showcasing their unique blend of folk influences and orchestral elements.

How many songs are on Until the Earth Begins to Part?

Until the Earth Begins to Part has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Until the Earth Begins to Part

Broken Records · 2009

41 min · 10 tracks · indie folk

Lush orchestral arrangements intertwine with heartfelt vocals, creating an immersive landscape of introspection and yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of disillusionment and hope, balancing poignant lyrics with stirring melodies that resonate deeply.
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Until the Earth Begins to Part — The title track serves as a centerpiece, blending introspective lyrics with sweeping instrumentation that captures the essence of the band's sound.
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Wolves — With its haunting melodies and evocative imagery, this song emerges as a standout moment on the album, illustrating the tension between vulnerability and strength.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features lush arrangements and strong vocal harmonies, creating an immersive experience while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a gradual crescendo, layering strings and harmonies before the fourth track introduces a more subdued piano arrangement.
Several tracks feature overlapping vocal harmonies that create a rich, textured soundscape, particularly in 'Wolves' and 'Ghosts'.
The album closes with 'Slow Parade', which features a slow tempo and minimal instrumentation, providing a stark contrast to the earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

A Promise

The verses gradually build in intensity, culminating in a powerful declaration of commitment that shifts from uncertainty to resolute affirmation.

This progression not only reflects personal growth but also mirrors the album's overarching themes of connection and resilience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Nearly Home 5:37
2 If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It 3:52
3 Until the Earth Begins to Part 3:29
4 A Promise 4:55
5 Thoughts on a Picture (In a Paper, January 2009) 4:04
6 If Eilert Loevborg Wrote a Song, It Would Sound Like This 3:43
7 Wolves 3:25
8 Ghosts 3:57
9 A Good Reason 4:09
10 Slow Parade 4:28

What to play next

Full Broken Records discography Artists like Broken Records

indie folk

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