When I Was a Boy
Jane Siberry · 1993
67 min · 12 tracks · pop music
Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that invites deep emotional reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Calling All Angels — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics that evoke a sense of yearning for connection and understanding amidst life's uncertainties.
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An Angel Stepped Down (and Slowly Looked Around) — The song captivates with its narrative style, depicting a moment of divine intervention that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, showcasing Siberry's unique storytelling prowess.
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Sweet Incarnadine — With its lush arrangements and contemplative lyrics, this track explores themes of love and existence, embodying the album's introspective nature while highlighting Siberry's vocal strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics create a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow, ethereal melody that sets a contemplative tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, immersive soundscape.
- 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
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
- introspective reflections on life
- gentle melodies for quiet moments
- spiritual undertones in every track
- patient unfolding of lyrical themes
- cathartic exploration of emotions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When I Was a Boy marked Jane Siberry's fifth studio album, following her acclaimed 1993 release, The Walking. At this point in her career, Siberry was developing a distinctive sound characterized by her unique lyrical approach and atmospheric instrumentation, further solidifying her presence in the Canadian pop music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lisa Germano· Fiona Apple· Tori Amos
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Calling All Angels
The shift from personal longing to a collective plea for guidance emphasizes the universality of seeking support in difficult times.
This transition from individual desire to a communal call reflects a broader human experience, enhancing the emotional depth of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Temple 4:47
- 2 Calling All Angels 5:20
- 3 Love Is Everything 5:50
- 4 Sail Across the Water 5:24
- 5 All the Candles in the World 3:52
- 6 Sweet Incarnadine 6:50
- 7 The Gospel According to Darkness 4:51
- 8 An Angel Stepped Down (and Slowly Looked Around) 5:52
- 9 The Vigil (The Sea) 9:23
- 10 Bells 1:20
- 11 At the Beginning of Time 8:20
- 12 Love Is Everything (harmony version) 5:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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