Volcano Songs
Meredith Monk · 1997
69 min · 14 tracks · opera
A tapestry of vocal experimentation intertwines with minimalist instrumentation, creating an otherworldly auditory landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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New York Requiem — This track stands out with its expansive structure and emotional depth, encapsulating the essence of urban life through layered vocalizations that evoke both warmth and nostalgia.
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Three Heavens and Hells — As the longest piece on the album, it showcases Monk's ability to blend narrative with abstract sound, creating an immersive experience that challenges conventional listening.
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Lost Wind — This track features delicate vocal harmonies that convey a sense of longing, illustrating Monk’s talent for marrying simplicity with profound emotional expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Monk's innovative vocal techniques and unique soundscapes create a distinct listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of vocal techniques, including extended techniques and layered harmonies, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
- Several tracks incorporate minimalist instrumentation, often using unconventional instruments alongside the voice to enhance the auditory landscape.
- The sequencing of tracks varies in tempo and intensity, with some pieces building gradually while others present abrupt shifts in dynamics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- mesmerizing waves of vocalization
- evocative landscapes of emotion
- patient unfolding with climactic moments
- for contemplative afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Volcano Songs in 1997, Meredith Monk was already established as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music, following her acclaimed works like 1981's Dolmen Music. This album marked a continuation of her exploration into innovative vocal techniques and theatrical elements, further solidifying her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joan La Barbara· Tania León· Philip Glass
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walking Song 3:04
- 2 Lost Wind 3:18
- 3 Hips Dance 2:01
- 4 Cry #1 2:45
- 5 New York Requiem 11:01
- 6 Offering 2:41
- 7 Boat Man 2:15
- 8 Skip Song 1:42
- 9 Old Lava 2:46
- 10 Cry #2 2:46
- 11 St Petersburg Waltz 7:53
- 12 Three Heavens and Hells 21:17
- 13 Click Song #1 2:01
- 14 Click Song #2 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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