What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World
The Decemberists · 2015
53 min · 14 tracks · art rock
A tapestry of narrative-driven songs blending whimsy and melancholy with lush instrumentation and incisive lyrics.
Why this album works
The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the band's enduring popularity. It received generally favorable reviews across major publications, including a notable review from NPR that praised its lyrical depth and musicality, contributing to discussions about the intersection of art rock and contemporary folk.
- Best for
- whimsical storytelling with depth steady mid-tempo reflective moments narrative-driven songs for contemplation
- Context
- Released on January 20, 2015, 'What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World' marked The Decemberists' first album in four years and their return after a hiatus following the 2011 release of 'The King Is Dead.' This album illustrated a creative evolution for the band, showcasing their ability to blend personal introspection with broader societal themes while still retaining their signature storytelling style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kate Bush· Nikolai Noskov· Sparks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Singer Addresses His Audience 4:42
- 2 Cavalry Captain Standout 3:17
- 3 Philomena Standout 3:04
- 4 Make You Better Standout 5:07
- 5 Lake Song 5:52
- 6 Till the Water’s All Long Gone 5:01
- 7 The Wrong Year 3:53
- 8 Carolina Low 3:24
- 9 Better Not Wake the Baby 1:44
- 10 Anti‐Summersong 2:12
- 11 Easy Come, Easy Go 2:22
- 12 Mistral 3:54
- 13 12/17/12 3:03
- 14 A Beginning Song 5:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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