Who Are You Now
Madison Cunningham · 2019
40 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A delicate interplay of introspective lyrics and intricate melodies that blend folk-rock with a contemporary sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pin It Down — The opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and contemplative lyrics that explore themes of self-identity and uncertainty, establishing Cunningham's artistic perspective.
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L.A. (Looking Alive) — This song captures the disillusionment of urban life through vivid imagery and a catchy chorus, highlighting Cunningham's knack for blending upbeat sounds with introspective content.
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Common Language — A standout moment on the album, this track showcases Cunningham's vocal range and emotional delivery while addressing themes of communication in relationships, making it relatable and poignant.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with intricate arrangements, balancing emotional depth and musical craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more introspective and subdued arrangements.
- Many songs incorporate intricate guitar work, often using fingerpicking techniques that highlight the folk-rock influences.
- Cunningham's vocal delivery varies between soft, whisper-like tones and more powerful crescendos, creating dynamic contrasts throughout the record.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 afternoons with tea
- lush melodies for quiet moments
- emotional exploration through lyrics
- reflective road trip soundtrack
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Madison Cunningham released 'Who Are You Now', she had already gained recognition as a talented songwriter and performer. This album followed her acclaimed 2017 EP, positioning her for a significant leap into the spotlight within the Americana and folk scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phoebe Bridgers· Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Something to Believe In
The lyrics shift from questioning faith to finding hope amidst uncertainty, showcasing vulnerability in navigating personal beliefs.
The progression from doubt to a tentative resolution reflects a journey of self-discovery, capturing the essence of seeking reassurance in tumultuous times.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pin It Down 4:06
- 2 Song in My Head 4:40
- 3 Something to Believe In 3:57
- 4 Trouble Found Me 3:15
- 5 Plain Letters 3:38
- 6 L.A. (Looking Alive) 3:48
- 7 Dry as Sand 4:19
- 8 Like You Do 4:08
- 9 Common Language 4:26
- 10 Bound 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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