You Were a Diamond
Clem Snide · 1998
40 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of late '90s indie rock and alternative country.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nick Drake Tape — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics that pay homage to the late singer-songwriter Nick Drake, encapsulating themes of melancholy and nostalgia.
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Your Night To Shine — With its catchy melody and uplifting message, this song contrasts with much of the album's somber tone while showcasing the band's versatility.
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Uglier Than You — This track offers a raw honesty that resonates with listeners, combining humor with vulnerability in a way that highlights Clem Snide's unique lyrical style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting with varied instrumentation but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Lyrically, the album employs a conversational style, often using vivid imagery and personal anecdotes to convey its themes.
- 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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5/10
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
- melancholic reflections on life
- introspective moments for solitude
- gentle pacing for late nights
- thoughtful lyrics for deep listening
- warm melodies for quiet afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, You Were a Diamond was Clem Snide's second album, following their debut, You Were a Diamond. At this point, the band was refining its sound and lyrical approach, building on the critical acclaim garnered from their first release and setting the stage for future projects.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· The Decemberists
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Better 3:56
- 2 Nick Drake Tape 4:08
- 3 Row 4:12
- 4 Your Night To Shine 4:01
- 5 I Can't Stay Here Tonight 3:23
- 6 Yip / Jump Music 3:52
- 7 Uglier Than You 2:59
- 8 Fruit Salad Stains 4:44
- 9 Lost on the River 3:04
- 10 Nothing Is Over, Not Yet 3:58
- 11 Chinese Baby 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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