What makes Ursa Minor by Nana Grizol notable?

Upon its release, 'Ursa Minor' received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. The album's exploration of themes such as nostalgia and personal growth resonated with listeners, contributing to its status as a notable entry in contemporary indie folk music. By the time of its release in January 2017, Nana Grizol had established themselves within the indie folk scene with previous albums, making 'Ursa Minor' their first full-length album since 2011's 'Ruth'. This album represents a return after a significant hiatus, showcasing a maturation in songwriting while maintaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on Ursa Minor?

Ursa Minor has 12 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Ursa Minor

Nana Grizol · 2017

34 min · 12 tracks · indie folk

A gentle blend of introspective melodies and heartfelt lyrics that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mississippi Swells — This track exemplifies the album's thematic focus on nostalgia through vivid storytelling, capturing a sense of longing tied to personal experiences.
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T.V. Song — With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about the mundanity of life, this song stands out for its blend of humor and sincerity.
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Photos From When We Were Young — This track encapsulates the album's reflective tone, using imagery to evoke memories of youth and the passage of time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's thematic consistency and layered harmonies contribute to its engaging yet gentle sound.

What we noticed

The album features a recurring motif with the 'Nightlights' and 'Ursa Minor' tracks, creating a thematic thread throughout.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and soft percussion, maintaining a consistent gentle sound across most 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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Nightlights I 3:30
2 Bright Cloud 2:49
3 Mississippi Swells 4:20
4 Almost Know Your Name 2:52
5 Photos From When We Were Young 3:25
6 Ursa Minor I 1:04
7 Nightlights II 2:18
8 Explained Away 2:46
9 T.V. Song 3:11
10 Tacoma Center 1600 3:53
11 Ursa Minor II 0:59
12 Window 3:47

What to play next

Listen next

South Somewhere Else

2020

Go back to

Ruth

2010

Full Nana Grizol discography Artists like Nana Grizol

indie folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata