Top tracks — play these first
-
→
GROWING UP IS _____ — This track encapsulates the album’s central theme of self-discovery and the challenges of adolescence, combining poignant lyrics with an infectious melody.
-
→
GO ON WITHOUT ME — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its introspective exploration of loss and resilience, featuring a captivating vocal performance.
-
→
I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU — This song stands out with its rebellious spirit and catchy hooks, reflecting the desire to break free from societal expectations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with moments of introspection and dynamic shifts.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as moving from soft verses to explosive choruses, creating a sense of contrast.
- The running time includes interludes that provide brief pauses, allowing for reflection between more intense tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- infectious melodies for sing-alongs
- introspective lyrics during commutes
- vibrant sound for social gatherings
- gradual emotional build towards conclusion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2023, Ruel released '4th Wall' as his debut studio album following a series of successful EPs. This album marks a significant evolution in his sound, showcasing his growth as an artist since his breakout single 'Dazed & Confused' in 2018, which established him as a prominent voice in contemporary pop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Khalid· Lauv· Sabrina Carpenter
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 GO ON WITHOUT ME 2:42
- 2 I DON’T WANNA BE LIKE YOU 2:43
- 3 SITTING IN TRAFFIC 4:15
- 4 JAPANESE WHISKEY 3:28
- 5 GROWING UP IS _____ 3:53
- 6 SET YOURSELF ON FIRE 2:51
- 7 LIE 2:54
- 8 LET THE GRASS GROW 2:55
- 9 YOU AGAINST YOURSELF 2:26
- 10 SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM 2:40
- 11 WISH I HAD YOU 3:16
- 12 IF AND/OR WHEN 2:52
- 13 MUST BE NICE 2:55
- 14 END SCENE 4:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.