What makes Up from Below by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros notable?

Up from Below gained widespread acclaim, reaching number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and generating the hit single 'Home', which became a cultural touchstone for its uplifting themes. The album's blend of eclectic styles influenced a wave of indie bands that followed, solidifying its place in the genre's evolution. Released in 2009, Up from Below was Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' debut album, following frontman Alex Ebert's previous project, Ima Robot. This album marked a defining moment for the band, establishing their unique sound and earning them significant attention within the indie folk scene.

Who is Up from Below for?

Up from Below works well if you're into communal joy and warmth, long, immersive listening sessions and uplifting emotional reflections.

How many songs are on Up from Below?

Up from Below has 13 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Up from Below

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros · 2009

57 min · 13 tracks · indie folk

A jubilant blend of folk, rock, and gospel influences wrapped in warm harmonies and spirited instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Home — This track epitomizes the album's spirit with its heartfelt lyrics about love and belonging, featuring captivating harmonies that invite listeners into a communal experience.
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40 Day Dream — With its infectious melody and playful lyrics, this song captures the whimsical essence of the band while showcasing their knack for storytelling through music.
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Janglin — The lively instrumentation and sing-along chorus highlight the band's ability to merge folk elements with a contemporary twist, making it a standout track.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends diverse influences with strong communal themes, making it memorable yet somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

The album opens with an energetic track that sets a lively tone, followed by a gradual shift to more introspective songs in the middle.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating a communal feel that enhances the uplifting themes.
The instrumentation varies significantly from track to track, incorporating elements like banjo, piano, and strings, which contribute to its eclectic sound.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

communal joy and warmth
long, immersive listening sessions
uplifting emotional reflections
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Up from Below was Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' debut album, following frontman Alex Ebert's previous project, Ima Robot. This album marked a defining moment for the band, establishing their unique sound and earning them significant attention within the indie folk scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Lumineers· Of Monsters and Men· Mumford & Sons

Tracklist

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

1 40 Day Dream 3:53
2 Janglin 3:49
3 Up From Below 4:10
4 Carries On 4:31
5 Jade 3:43
6 Home 5:06
7 Desert Song 4:30
8 Black Water 3:50
9 Come in Please 5:06
10 Simplest Love 2:52
11 Kisses Over Babylon 5:15
12 Brother 3:57
13 Om Nashi Me 6:16

What to play next

Listen next

Here

2012

Full Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros discography Artists like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

indie folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata