Wildflower cover

Released 10 years ago

Wildflower

The Avalanches · 2016

59 min · 21 tracks · electronic music

Eclectic soundscapes blend vibrant samples with playful melodies, creating a joyous exploration of nostalgia and contemporary life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Because I’m Me — This track exemplifies the album’s uplifting spirit with its infectious groove and affirming lyrics that celebrate individuality and self-acceptance.
  • →
    Frankie Sinatra — Reviving classic hip-hop influences mixed with whimsical vibes, this track highlights the group's skillful sampling and clever lyricism while inviting listeners to dance.
  • →
    Harmony — A standout moment that showcases emotional depth through its lush instrumentation and soothing vocals, reflecting the album's overarching themes of connection and unity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative sampling and seamless transitions create a distinctive soundscape that rewards repeat listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features a dense layering of samples, with many tracks incorporating multiple snippets from various genres, creating a collage effect.
  • The use of vocal samples is sporadic and often treated as instrumental elements rather than traditional lead vocals, contributing to the album's eclectic feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • playful samples for joyful exploration
  • vibrant soundscapes for daytime listening
  • short tracks inviting repeat plays
  • nostalgic vibes with modern grooves
  • eclectic mix for adventurous ears

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2016, Wildflower is The Avalanches' second album, coming 16 years after their acclaimed debut, Since I Left You. This long-awaited follow-up marked a significant return to the music scene, showcasing their evolution in sampling and production techniques while maintaining their signature playful style.
Stylistic neighbors
The Chemical Brothers· DJ Shadow· Bonobo

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Leaves Were Falling 0:15
  • 2 Because I’m Me 4:12
  • 3 Frankie Sinatra 3:44
  • 4 Subways 3:10
  • 5 Going Home 2:06
  • 6 If I Was a Folkstar 4:33
  • 7 Colours 3:32
  • 8 Zap! 1:58
  • 9 The Noisy Eater 3:14
  • 10 Wildflower 1:14
  • 11 Harmony 3:48
  • 12 Live a Lifetime Love 2:30
  • 13 Park Music 0:54
  • 14 Livin’ Underwater (Is Somethin’ Wild) 1:56
  • 15 The Wozard of Iz 2:59
  • 16 Over the Turnstiles 0:41
  • 17 Sunshine 3:37
  • 18 Light Up 1:34
  • 19 Kaleidoscopic Lovers 3:55
  • 20 Stepkids 4:32
  • 21 Saturday Night Inside Out 4:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata