Sentimental

Neil Young – Time Fades Away

ecorded live between 1971-1973

Style: Country Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Vibes: Ramshackle, Sentimental, Raw, Longing, Angsty, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Live, Noisy, Dynamic, Fuzzy

Joseph Allred – Hoddmímis Holt

Style: Appalachian Folk Music, American Primitivism

Vibes: Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm, Passionate, Meditative, Religious, Storytelling, Sentimental, spiritual, storytelling

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Traditional, Lyrical, Droney, Open Tunings, Solo, Sparse

Instrumentation: Vocals, Harmonium, Acoustic Guitars (6- & 12-String), Autoharp, Piano, Banjo

Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings

with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett

Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age

Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer

Matching Mole

Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop

Moods: Plaintive, Playful, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Dreamy, Eccentric, Tender, Sentimental

Instrumentation: Mellotron, Piano, Drums, Organ, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Drums, Voice

Rustin Man – Drift Code

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop, Chamber-Jazz

Vibes: Autumnal, Sombre, Introspective, Vaudeville, Lush, Sentimental, Theatric, Surreal, Storytelling, Haunting

Bob Dylan & The Band – Planet Waves

Style: Americana, Roots-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Romantic, Rural, Personal, Autumnal, Sunny, Warm, Light, Joyful, Love, Morning, Reflective, Sentimental, Uplifting

Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles

Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Rock

Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Bittersweet, Romantic, Warm, Playful, Sentimental, Energetic, Groovy, Passionate, Melancholy, Sunny

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Soft

Mingus Plays Piano

Style: Jazz, Solo Piano

Moods: Reflective, Personal, Elegant, Introspective, Mellow, Sentimental, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Sparse, Improvisation, Acoustic, Melodic

Alex G – DSU

Styles: Slacker Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Bedroom Pop, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Introspective, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Reflective, Kaleidoscopic, Warm, Melancholy, Intimate, Whimsical, Nostalgic, Eclectic, Heartfelt, Psychedelic, Summer, Existential

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Riffs, Home Recording, Melodic, Vocal Manipulation, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Jeff Buckley – Grace

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Art-Rock

Moods: Longing, Bittersweet, Passionate, Heartbreak, Angsty, Sentimental, Romantic, Introspective, Sensual, Existential, Poetic, Sad, Sombre

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Lush, Melodic, Polished Production, Orchestral Arrangements, Gospel Background Vocals

Yo La tengo – Extra Painful

Style: Noise Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze

Moods: Bittersweet, Tender, Melancholy, Romantic, Nocturnal, Reflective, Sentimental, Warm, Driving, Hypnotic

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Catchy, Atmospheric, Noisy, Soft, Fuzzy

Oceansize – Frames

Style: Progressive Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced

Moods: Passionate, Epic, Melancholy, Cryptic, Sentimental, Moody, Longing, Cathartic, Dark, Triumphant, Monolithic

Musical Qualities: Complex, Progressive, Melodic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Dense

Edith Frost – Wonder Wonder

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore

Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy

Neil Young with Crazy Horse – Zuma

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter

Moods: Sentimental, Break-Up, Bittersweet, Rebellious, Introspective, Messy, Passionate, Ragged, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Raw, Simple

Pererin – Haul ar yr eira

Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Welsh Folk

Moods: Medieval, Mystical, Sentimental, Epic, Passionate, Earthy, Communal, Intricate

Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocal Harmonies, Celtic Harp, Flute, Bodhran, Congas, Bongos, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Recorder, Drums, 12-String Guitar, Mandolin, Mellotron

Jim White – Waffles, Triangles & Jesus

Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country

Moods: Drifter, Surreal, Poetic, Twangy, Colorful, Eccentric, Sunny, Uplifting, Playful, Observational, Contemplative, Warm, Rural, Sentimental, Storytelling

Neil Young – Neil Young

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock

Moods: Longing, Introspective, Loner, Bittersweet, Romantic, Alienation, Rustic, Sentimental

Musical Qualities: Melodic, Lush, Polished, Orchestral Arrangements

Richard & Linda Thompson – Pour Down Like Silver

Style: British Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Bittersweet, Energetic, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Storytelling, Romantic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Melodic

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Accordion, Fiddle, Flute, Shakuhachi, Trumpet

Mickey Newbury – Heaven Help the Child

Style: SInger-Songwriter, Progressive Country, Chamber Folk

Moods: Reflective, Longing, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Contemplative, Melancholy, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Lonely, Rainy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Suite, Lyrical, Orchestral, Melodic

Emmylou Harris – Pieces of the Sky

Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Autumnal, Heartbreak, Longing, Sentimental, Tender, Rustic, Bittersweet, Introspective, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic

The Antlers – Familiars

Style: Chamber Pop, Ambient Pop

Moods: Sentimental, Bittersweet, Mellow, Reflective, Ethereal, Flowing, Dreamy, Passionate, Sad

Musical Qualities: Soft, Slow, Lush, Lyrical, Polished, Dynamic

Instrumentation: Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, Upright Bass, Fender Rhodes, Organ, Cello, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone

Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Synth Pop, Trip-Hop

Moods: Bittersweet, Sentimental, Warm, Romantic

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production

John Prine – Sweet Revenge

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Country-Rock

Moods: Bittersweet, Humorous, Storytelling, Twangy, Sunny, Road Trip, Playful, Poetic, Warm, Sentimental, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Background Gospel Singers, Vocal Harmonies, Melodic

Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On

Style: Smooth Soul

Moods: Sexual, Passionate, Nocturnal, Sensual, Mellow, Smooth, Romantic, Warm, Sentimental

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Vocal Harmonies, Polished Production

Gram Parsons – GP

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music

Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft

Björk – Fossora

Styles: Progressive Pop, Post-Industrial Chamber Music, IDM, Gabber, Deconstructed Club

Moods: Earthy, Knotty, Sensual, Futuristic, Surreal, Romantic, Mystical, Passionate, Messy, Hallucinogenic, Intense, Forest, Eccentric, Epic, Tribal

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Dense, Dynamic, Complex, Glitchy, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Electro-Acoustic

Instrumentation: Digital Programming, Woodwinds (Bass Clarinet, Oboe, Clarinet), Strings, Choral Vocals

Shirley Horn Trio – A Lazy Afternoon

Style: Vocal Jazz

Moods: Uplifting, Sentimental, Elegant, Sunny, Passionate, Heartfelt, Playful, Romantic, Retro

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Technical, Melodic, Lush, Ballads

Instrumentation: Piano, Vocals, Upright Bass, Drums

The Silence – The Silence

Style: Acid Folk, Psych Rock, Prog

Vibe: Mystical, Longing, Retro, Fuzzy, Sentimental, Warm, Nocturnal, Ancient, Mysterious, Eclectic

Willie Nelson – Spirit

Style: Outlaw Country, Singer/Songwriter, Flamenco-Influenced

Vibe: Tender, Breakup, Reflective, Patient, Personal, Lonely, Longing, Peaceful, Romantic, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Intimate, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyric-Driven, Chamber Arrangements

Alex G – God Save the Animals

Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Singer/Songwriter, Art Pop

Moods: Uplifting, Heartfelt, Spiritual, Warm, Introspective, Wholesome, Eclectic, Colorful, Cryptic, Ethereal, Joyful, Longing, Bittersweet, Psychedelic, Sentimental, Tender

Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Vocal Effects, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Catchy, Polished, Progressive

Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill

Style: Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Depressive, Existential Late Night Bus Rides, Autumnal, Lethargic, Introspective, Moody, Alienation, Sad, Misanthropic, Sombre, Melancholic, Poetic, Pessimistic, Breakup, Sentimental, Lonely

Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Atmospheric

David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees

featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Danny Thompson, & Mark Isham

Style: Sophisti-Pop, Art Pop, Ambient Pop

Vibe: Longing, Introspective, Elegant, Ethereal, Sentimental, Sleek, Melancholy, Contemplative, Autumnal, Mellow, Sombre, Nocturnal

Musical Qualities: Polished Production, Melodic, Rhythmic

Mickey Newbury – I Came to Hear the Music

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country

Vibe: Introspective, Reflective, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Longing, Lush, Warm, Soothing, Rustic, Tender, Sentimental, Spiritual, Contemplative, Intimate

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lyrical, Melodic, Orchestral, Polished, Background Vocals

Sathima Bea Benjamin – Windsong

Personnel: Sathima Bea Benjamin – Vocals; Kenny Barron – Piano; Buster Williams – Upright Bass; Billy Higgins – Drums

Style: Vocal Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Ballads, Traditional

Vibe: Healing, Flowing, Warm, Airy, Spiritual, Soothing, Sombre, Heartfelt, Elegant, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Intimate, Morning, Peaceful, Reflective, Rootsy, Sentimental,

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Soft, Improvisation, Slow, Polished, Lyrical, Lush

Pentangle – Solomon’s Seal

Style: Brit-Folk, Chamber Folk, Jazz-Folk

Vibe: Flowing, Morning, Breezy, Warm, Medieval, Sentimental, Rootsy, Mellow, Pastoral, Uplifting

Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Traditional, Melodic, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitars (Fingerstyle), Vocals, Upright Bass, Sitar, Dulcimer, Banjo, Recorder, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Drums

Damon & Naomi – Within These Walls

Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country

Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic

Neko Case – Blacklisted

LP, Anti- Records, 2002 (2016, RE) Style: Gothic Americana, Alt-Country, Singer/Songwriter Vibe: Bittersweet, Rebellious, Haunting, Western, Passionate, Energetic, Longing, Anthemic, Breakup, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Twangy, Rustic, Sentimental

Neko Case – Furnace Room Lullaby

Style: Alt-Country, Americana, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Bittersweet, Warm, Angsty, Rustic, Heartfelt, Confident, Passionate, Twangy, Love, Breakup, Reflective, Sentimental, Lush, Rootsy

Instrumentation: Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Lap Steel & Pedal Steel Slide Guitars, Fiddle, Electric & Upright Basses, Drums, Vocal Harmonies, Banjo, Mandolin, Organ, Accordion

Ghost – Tune In, Turn On, Free Tibet

Style: Psychedelic / Chamber Folk

Vibe: Pastoral, Spiritual, Sentimental, Haunting, Medieval, Spring, Peaceful

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation

Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Flutes (Kaval, Recorder), Hurdy Gurdy, Drums, Piano, Tanpura, Analogue Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Tympani, Vibes

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

On this mournful offering, Cave’s poetic reflections on loss, longing, and loneliness slowly float down a river of gloomy synth drones, somber strings, and sparse piano. While not exactly uplifting, the album has a sense of peace and beauty that continues up through the repeating final refrain, “and it’s alright now”.

Van Der Graaf Generator – H to He Who Am the Only One

Style: Progressive Rock, Jazz Rock, Symphonic Prog

Vibe: Alienation, Longing, Sentimental, Dramatic, Heartfelt, Cathartic, Introspective, Existential, Theatric, Lonely, Sad, Passionate, Epic

Musical Qualities: Technical, Progressive, Complex, Dynamic, Ballads

Instrumentation: Piano, Organ, Acoustic Guitar, Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Flute, Drums, Tympani, Electric Bass

Popol Vuh – Hosianna Mantra

Style: Ecstatic Chamber Music, Kosmische, Neoclassical New Age

Vibe: Spiritual, Ethereal, Mystical, Meditative, Mysterious, Soothing, Peaceful, Mellow, Ritualistic, Sentimental, Religious (Christian), Pastoral

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Chamber Arrangements, Atmospheric, Melodic, Suite

Instrumentation: Harpsichord, Piano, Electric Guitar, Oboe, Tanpura, Hymnal Vocals, Violin

Yo La Tengo – Electr-O-Pura

Style: Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Indie Rock

Vibe: Autumnal, Nocturnal, Intimate, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Eclectic, Sentimental, Romantic, Raw, Reflective

Musical Qualities: Loose, Melodic, Noisy, Driving, Jammy, Vocal Harmonies

King Crimson – Beat

Style: Art Rock, Progressive Pop

Vibe: Anxious, Eccentric, Romantic, Cerebral, Complex, Catchy, Bombastic, Dramatic, Surreal, Slick, Intertwined

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Progressive, Technical, Rhythmic

Jackson C. Frank – Jackson C. Frank

Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Blues

Vibe: Introspective, Mellow, Intimate, Longing, Autumnal, Raw, Loner, Simple, Poetic, Melancholy

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Lyrical

Swamp Dogg – Rat On!

Style: Country-Soul, Funk

Vibe: Anthemic, Bittersweet, Triumphant, Political, Satirical, Playful, Groovy, Sunny, Conscious, Heartfelt, Warm, Sentimental, Rebellious, Philosophical

Musical Qualities: Lush, Rhythmic, Polished, Melodic, Lyrical

Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night

Style: Country-Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Vibe: Raw, Heartfelt, Sentimental, Mourning, Drunk, Reflective

Musical Qualities: Loose, Vocal Harmonies

Robert Plant – Carry Fire

Style: Folk Rock, Chamber Folk, Singer/Songwriter

Influences: Celtic Folk, Trip-Hop, Bluegrass, North African Music, Arabic Folk, Blues

Vibe: Misty, Reflective, Warm, Eclectic, Sentimental, Sensitive, Romantic, Peaceful, Mystical

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Polished

David Bowie – Black Star

Style: Art Rock, Jazz-Rock
Vibe: Introspective, Moody, Passionate, Sentimental, Sombre, Conceptual
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic, Progressive
Lyrical Themes: Death, Existential, Personal, Reflective

Alex G – Beach Music

Listening to Alex G, one might imagine a young alien sitting alone in his martian bedroom baring his angsty, teenage confessions to his 4-track tape recorder. Yet, at the core of his music, underneath layers of psychedelic guitars, weird pitch-shifted vocals, and occasional lo-fi hiss, lies some genius pop songs that feel simultaneously adolescent and mature.

Recommended for fans of lo-fi experimentation and bedroom pop. Alex seems to pull influences from all over and channel them through his own unique personality and penchant for odd, psychedelic production. Recalls Elliot Smith’s loner acoustic songwriting and drum machines pulled from 80?s pop songs; there’s even a fucked up jazz piano ballad thrown into the mix.

Sufjan Stevens – Illinois

Released in 2005 on Asthmatic Kitty Records Format: LPx2 Listen: Purchase: https://asthmatickitty.com/merch/illinois/  

The Cure – Disintegration

Originally released in 1989 on Fiction Records 2010 pressing, Digitally Remastered by Robert Smith Format: LPx2

Neil Young – Harvest

Album Information: Released in 1972 on Reprise Records 2009 reissue, mastered from original analog tapes

Feist – Pleasure

A cohesive, intimate collection of chamber pop songs, ornate with colorful arrangements, lush production, and some bluesy guitar licks.

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Style: Soul, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Conscious, Spiritual, Passionate, Uplifting, Bittersweet, Christian, Peaceful, Political, Sentimental, Warm

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Lyrical, Suite, Melodic