It’s one of those afternoons after work when I was lazily scrolling through Facebook when I saw an interesting post shared by one of my friends. It’s a screenshot of a Spotify playlist by Sleeping At Last, a musical project I have always enjoyed listening to. What really caught my eye though was the theme of the album, it was based on a famous system used for personality typing called the Enneagram.
As someone who had come across this topic a few times during my undergrad study of Psychology, I got excited and curious at the same time. I wondered how songs about certain personality types would sound like and if the musicians will even be able to capture their uniqueness exquisitely. And so, I decided to have a listen.
There are 9 tracks in the album, one song for each types: One (The Reformer), Two (The Helper), Three (The Achiever), Four (The Individualist), Five (The Investigator), Six (The Loyalist), Seven (The Enthusiast), Eight (The Challenger), and Nine (The Peacemaker). I spent around 40 minutes listening while also having a copy of the lyrics as the music played and I can say that it was 40 minutes not wasted at all.
i’ve spent my whole life searching desperately
to find out that grace requires nothing of me.“
through the eyes of no one else. it’s so exhausting on this silver screen where i play the role of anyone but me.“
Each song resonates so clearly to me most especially the one made for my type. It all speaks to the listener and takes you along this journey filled with beautiful, sometimes painful, words, instruments, and mundane sounds working harmoniously together. Of course, the vocals also added a feeling of melancholy but of genuineness to the lyrics. Each song reflecting the strengths and weaknesses that are descriptive of the Enneagram personality types. There is a cathartic sense throughout the full album. It sounds surreal.
in certain light i can plainly see a reflection of magnificence hidden in you
maybe even in me.”
just might keep us safe.
with a vigilant heart,
i’ll push into the dark
but i’ll learn to breathe deep
and make peace with the stars.“
To give you a preview of what I mean, I have put together my most favourite parts or lyrics and an excerpt from each track. It’s definitely worth listening to and I recommend you to find out your own type before doing so as it will give you a more personal listening experience.
so i look to the future and i book another flight.
when everything feels heavy, i’ve learned to travel light.“
to see each other through.
to know and love ourselves and others well
is the most difficult and meaningful
work we’ll ever do.“
To know a bit more about The Enneagram Types:
To listen to the whole album:
Heart Bits & Pieces 