A Real Good Kid
Mike Posner · 2019
36 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A reflective blend of introspective lyrics and melodic pop soundscapes that explores themes of vulnerability and personal growth.
Top tracks — play these first
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January 11th, 2017 — This opening track sets the tone for the album, capturing the raw emotions surrounding the loss that inspired much of Posner's writing.
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Stuck in the Middle — This song encapsulates feelings of confusion and longing, blending catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about navigating life's challenges.
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Perfect — In this track, Posner reflects on love and acceptance, showcasing a mature understanding of relationships that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with melodic pop soundscapes, reflecting personal growth and vulnerability.
What we noticed
- The first track features a spoken word intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by melodic instrumentation that carries through the album.
- Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- intimate reflections on personal growth
- steady pacing for deep listening
- moments of vulnerability and honesty
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Real Good Kid' was released in January 2019, Mike Posner had transitioned from his early pop fame to a more introspective artist after his hiatus. This album followed his journey of personal loss and self-discovery, marking a significant artistic reinvention since his earlier hits like 'Cooler Than Me'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jon Bellion· Charlie Puth· Lauv
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Wide Open
The verse shifts from lamenting past mistakes to an empowering declaration of moving forward, illustrating a journey from pain to hope.
This transition highlights Posner's ability to weave vulnerability into resilience, making the listener feel both the weight of loss and the lightness of newfound strength.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 January 11th, 2017 3:07
- 2 Wide Open 2:49
- 3 Song About You 3:10
- 4 Move On 2:58
- 5 Drip 5:25
- 6 Staring at the Fire 2:38
- 7 Perfect 6:24
- 8 Amen 0:31
- 9 Stuck in the Middle 3:21
- 10 One More Song 0:12
- 11 How It's Supposed to Be 5:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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