What makes Vihma by Värttinä notable?

Vihma marked a significant moment for Värttinä as it received critical acclaim and helped elevate Finnish folk music on the global stage. The album showcased their unique sound, contributing to a resurgence of interest in Finnish traditional music and influencing subsequent artists within the genre. Released in 1998, Vihma was Värttinä's fifth studio album, following their successful 1995 release, Kokko. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation internationally, merging folk traditions with modern influences to reach a broader audience.

Vihma works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, dynamic emotional journeys and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Vihma?

Vihma has 13 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Vihma

Värttinä · 1998

47 min · 13 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of traditional Finnish folk and contemporary arrangements, driven by rich harmonies and rhythmic intricacies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Vihma — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, featuring powerful vocals and intricate instrumentation that reflects both personal and natural themes.
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Laulutyttö — This track highlights the band's ability to weave storytelling into their music, blending traditional melodies with modern sensibilities and showcasing their vocal prowess.
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Uskottu ei uupuvani — With its emotional depth and complex harmonies, this song represents the thematic heart of the album, touching on resilience and hope amidst struggle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Vihma blends traditional Finnish folk with modern elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and traditional instrumentation, setting a vibrant tone.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the more upbeat earlier songs.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1998, Vihma was Värttinä's fifth studio album, following their successful 1995 release, Kokko. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation internationally, merging folk traditions with modern influences to reach a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Hedningarna· Garmarna· Korpiklaani