Winter & the Wolves cover

Winter & the Wolves

Grieves · 2014

51 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

Introspective lyrics intertwine with melodic beats, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and resilience in Grieves' sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Over You — This track stands out for its raw exploration of heartbreak, combining poignant lyrics with a catchy melody that captures the essence of moving on.
  • →
    Serpents — With its sharp metaphors, this track delves into the struggles of self-doubt and external pressures, embodying the darker tones of the album.
  • →
    Kidding Me — This song features a compelling narrative about personal growth and realization, showcasing Grieves' lyrical dexterity and emotional honesty.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective lyrics with melodic beats, showcasing Grieves' growth as a lyricist.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build on melodic hooks, while the second half shifts towards more introspective and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 personal struggles
  • melodic hooks for emotional connection
  • suitable for late-night contemplation
  • steady pacing with thoughtful lyrics
  • unfolding narratives that invite engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat party music
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Winter & the Wolves' was released in January 2014, Grieves was establishing himself as a prominent figure in indie hip-hop following his previous album, 'Together/Apart.' This record marked a shift towards deeper personal themes and more cohesive production, solidifying his artistic identity after gaining recognition for his earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors
Macklemore· Atmosphere· Hopsin

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Rain Damage 3:59
  • 2 Whoa Is Me 2:41
  • 3 Over You 4:22
  • 4 Serpents 3:42
  • 5 Breath of Air 4:12
  • 6 Astronauts 3:50
  • 7 Autumn 3:04
  • 8 How’s It Gonna Go 4:25
  • 9 Recluse 3:17
  • 10 Like Child 2:49
  • 11 Long One 3:20
  • 12 Kidding Me 4:29
  • 13 Shreds 3:06
  • 14 Smoke in the Night 4:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata