A New Tide
Gomez · 2009
44 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A blend of melodic indie rock fused with eclectic instrumentation and introspective lyrics that explore personal and existential themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Little Pieces — This track exemplifies the album's melodic sensibility with its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the band's signature sound and emotional depth.
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Airstream Driver — With its laid-back vibe and vivid storytelling, this song captures the essence of wanderlust and exploration, resonating with listeners' desires for freedom.
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Very Strange — The track stands out with its experimental soundscapes and reflective lyrics, showcasing Gomez's ability to blend different musical elements while maintaining thematic coherence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends eclectic sounds with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and a steady drumbeat, setting a reflective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments, such as horns and synthesizers, which add texture to the melodic foundation.
- The pacing varies significantly; for instance, the transition from 'Win Park Slope' to 'Bone Tired' introduces a noticeable shift in tempo and mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 mid-tempo exploration
- warm melodies for introspection
- for reflective afternoons
- consistent flow for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer short standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, A New Tide is Gomez's fifth studio album, following their 2006 effort, How We Operate. By this point, the band had solidified their reputation for genre-blending sounds, although they faced challenges maintaining mainstream visibility. The album reflects a period of experimentation as the group sought to redefine their sound amidst changing musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Beta Band· Wilco· Grandaddy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If I Ask You Nicely
The bridge shifts from a hopeful inquiry to an unexpected twist, highlighting vulnerability in asking for understanding.
This structural choice deepens the emotional complexity of the song, presenting a moment of raw honesty that enhances its overall impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mix 4:19
- 2 Little Pieces 3:26
- 3 If I Ask You Nicely 3:09
- 4 Lost Track 4:03
- 5 Win Park Slope 4:22
- 6 Bone Tired 2:20
- 7 Airstream Driver 3:58
- 8 Natural Reaction 4:18
- 9 Very Strange 4:45
- 10 Other Plans 4:26
- 11 Sunset Gates 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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