What Lies Beneath
Robin Trower · 2009
42 min · 11 tracks · blues
A blend of blues-infused rock with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that echo Trower's signature guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wish You Were Mine — This opening track captures the essence of longing with its evocative guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Freefall — The song features a captivating interplay between Trower's guitar and vocal lines, embodying a sense of freedom and emotional release that resonates throughout the album.
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Buffalo Blues — With its raw energy and traditional blues structure, this track highlights Trower's roots while showcasing his prowess as a guitarist and storyteller.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Trower's guitar work and emotional depth but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of minor keys, creating a moody atmosphere throughout the tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate layered backing vocals that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The running time is just over 50 minutes, with most songs averaging around four to five minutes, allowing for concise storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady mid-tempo reflective flow
- introspective moments for contemplation
- soulful guitar solos throughout
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced energy
- prefer upbeat party music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'What Lies Beneath' was released in 2009, Robin Trower had established himself as a respected figure in the blues-rock scene, following his prolific career since the 1970s. This album came nearly four decades after his debut, marking his continued evolution as an artist while exploring deeper themes in songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gary Moore· Joe Bonamassa· Peter Green
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Once the Spell Is Broken
The moment shifts from reflective introspection to a stark realization about love's fleeting nature, contrasting hope with acceptance of reality.
This progression in tone deepens the emotional impact, moving from nostalgia to a poignant acknowledgment of loss.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wish You Were Mine 4:02
- 2 What Lies Beneath 3:30
- 3 As You Watch Each City Fall, Part 1 3:25
- 4 As You Watch Each City Fall, Part 2 2:12
- 5 Freefall 3:05
- 6 Once the Spell Is Broken 4:56
- 7 Sleeping on the Moon 3:40
- 8 Time and Emotion 4:39
- 9 Skin and Bone 3:04
- 10 Buffalo Blues 4:56
- 11 Find a Place 4:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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