Virtue
Emmy the Great · 2011
45 min · 10 tracks · anti-folk
A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and intricate melodies shaped by anti-folk sensibilities and rich acoustic textures.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Dinosaur Sex — This track employs witty lyricism to tackle complex themes of intimacy and desire through playful metaphors that reflect the album's overall tone.
-
→
A Woman, a Woman, a Century of Sleep — The song combines haunting melodies with introspective lyrics that delve into themes of gender and societal expectations, encapsulating the album's reflective nature.
-
→
Paper Forest (In the Afterglow of Rapture) — This track features lush instrumentation that creates an ethereal atmosphere, while the lyrics explore existential themes with a sense of urgency and beauty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a playful, upbeat track that contrasts sharply with the introspective tone of the following songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Cassandra' and 'Creation'.
- The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with multiple sections and shifts in dynamics throughout the tracks.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of identity and relationships, often employing metaphorical language that invites deeper analysis.
- 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
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- delicate melodies for quiet moments
- patient pacing invites reflection
- poignant themes of love and
- suitable for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2011, Virtue was Emmy the Great's sophomore album following her debut, First Love. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from emerging indie artist to a more established figure in the anti-folk scene, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Laura Marling· Sufjan Stevens· Regina Spektor
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Cassandra
The narrative shifts from personal to universal as it questions fate and self-fulfillment through vivid imagery.
This transition deepens the thematic exploration by connecting individual experiences to broader existential concerns.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dinosaur Sex 5:37
- 2 A Woman, a Woman, a Century of Sleep 4:08
- 3 Iris 3:39
- 4 Paper Forest (In the Afterglow of Rapture) 3:41
- 5 Cassandra 3:33
- 6 Creation 5:10
- 7 Sylvia 4:32
- 8 Exit Night / Juliet's Theme 6:08
- 9 North 4:40
- 10 Trellick Tower 4:11
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.