Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Album
2002
About this album
Sound:
"A tapestry of introspective lyrics wrapped in lush arrangements, blending folk-rock with emotive indie sensibilities."
Where they were
Released on August 13, 2002, 'Lifted' marked Bright Eyes' fourth studio album and solidified Conor Oberst's position as a leading voice in indie music. Following the success of 'Fevers and Mirrors', this album saw Oberst expanding his sound and lyrical depth while grappling with newfound fame.
Why it matters
'Lifted' received widespread critical acclaim, debuting at number 50 on the Billboard 200 and featuring prominently in year-end lists. The single 'Lover I Don’t Have to Love' sparked discussions around themes of love and identity, making it a defining track of early 2000s indie rock.
Essential tracks
- "Lover I Don’t Have to Love" — This track stands out for its candid exploration of emotional vulnerability and societal expectations, encapsulating the album's core themes.
- "Bowl of Oranges" — With its uplifting melody and reflective lyrics, this song embodies the delicate balance between hope and despair found throughout the album.
- "Method Acting" — This track showcases a raw honesty in its lyrics and an engaging melodic structure, illustrating Oberst’s ability to blend narrative with emotion.
Release Date
August 13, 2002
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 The Big Picture 8:42
- 2 Method Acting 3:42
- 3 False Advertising 5:52
- 4 You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will. 3:25
- 5 Lover I Don’t Have to Love 4:00
- 6 Bowl of Oranges 4:48
- 7 Don’t Know When but a Day Is Gonna Come 6:31
- 8 Nothing Gets Crossed Out 4:34
- 9 Make War 6:16
- 10 Waste of Paint 6:29
- 11 From a Balance Beam 3:40
- 12 Laura Laurent 4:56
- 13 Let’s Not Shit Ourselves (To Love and to Be Loved) 10:07
