What Now
Sylvan Esso · 2017
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal vocals blend with electronic beats and organic instrumentation, creating a vibrant landscape of introspective pop melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Die Young — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of youth and mortality, combining an infectious melody with reflective lyrics about fleeting moments.
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Radio — With its catchy chorus and layered production, Radio stands out as an anthem about communication and connection in a digital age.
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Just Dancing — The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics offer a contrasting lightness to the album’s heavier themes, showcasing the duo's ability to balance joy with introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and organic sounds effectively, showcasing strong production and unique compositional choices.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a layered vocal harmony that gradually introduces electronic beats, setting a textured soundscape.
- Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Die Young,' which contrasts soft verses with explosive choruses.
- The album employs a consistent use of organic instrumentation alongside electronic elements, creating a unique blend throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- short bursts of infectious energy
- playful rhythms for dancing alone
- introspective moments between tracks
- uplifting soundscapes for morning
- catchy hooks for group sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefers long, immersive experiences
- seeks serious, heavy themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2017, What Now is Sylvan Esso's sophomore album, following their self-titled debut from 2014. At this point in their career, the duo was building on their initial success, exploring more intricate production techniques while maintaining their signature sound that fuses folk and electronic music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Odesza· Little Dragon· Tove Lo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Glow
A pivotal moment occurs where the perspective shifts from external observations to a deep personal reflection on identity and belonging.
This shift not only intensifies the emotional weight of the song but also aligns with the album's overarching theme of navigating personal truths amidst societal expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sound 2:32
- 2 The Glow 2:58
- 3 Die Young 3:30
- 4 Radio 3:32
- 5 Kick Jump Twist 4:23
- 6 Song 3:27
- 7 Just Dancing 4:28
- 8 Signal 3:29
- 9 Slack Jaw 3:05
- 10 Rewind 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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