What the Night Delivers
Scott Matthews · 2011
50 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
An intimate tapestry of folk melodies intertwined with reflective lyrics and layered acoustic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ballerina Lake — This track features a haunting melody paired with vivid imagery that paints a melancholic yet beautiful picture of longing, showcasing Matthews' lyrical prowess.
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Head First Into Paradise — The song's upbeat tempo contrasts its themes of escapism and search for meaning, illustrating Matthews' knack for blending lightness with depth.
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Walking Home in the Rain — Utilizing rich acoustic textures and emotional delivery, this track captures the essence of solitude and reflection, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with reflective lyrics, showcasing Matthews' growth as a songwriter.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and emotional weight.
- Several songs utilize layered acoustic guitar arrangements, creating a rich texture that complements the introspective lyrics.
- The final track is a solo piano piece that contrasts sharply with the preceding songs, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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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
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
- haunting melodies for introspection
- rainy day reflective listening
- gentle pacing for evening calm
- emotional depth in lyrical themes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2011, Scott Matthews had already established himself as a distinctive voice in the British folk rock scene, following his acclaimed debut album, 'Passing Stranger' (2006). 'What the Night Delivers' served as his sophomore effort, illustrating his artistic evolution while further solidifying his reputation for poignant songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Drake· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Obsession Never Sleeps
The bridge introduces a sudden shift in perspective that starkly contrasts earlier verses, heightening the sense of urgency surrounding the subject's fixation.
This structural choice amplifies the emotional intensity as it reveals an internal struggle, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Myself Again 5:15
- 2 Obsession Never Sleeps 4:42
- 3 Ballerina Lake 4:35
- 4 Bad Apple 4:59
- 5 So Long My Moonlight 4:28
- 6 Head First Into Paradise 5:23
- 7 Walking Home in the Rain 5:37
- 8 Echoes of the Lonely 4:05
- 9 The Man Who Had Everything 5:45
- 10 Piano Song 6:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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