After the Disco
Broken Bells · 2014
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A lush blend of psychedelic melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in shimmering synths and groovy rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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After the Disco — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and existential reflection, featuring a haunting melody that lingers long after listening.
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Holding on for Life — This upbeat yet introspective song showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with deeper emotional undercurrents, making it a standout track.
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The Remains of Rock & Roll — The closing track serves as a poignant commentary on the state of contemporary music, melding reflective lyrics with an expansive soundscape that evokes both melancholy and hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more contemplative pace.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Holding on for Life' and 'Leave It Alone'.
- The album closes with a track that features an extended instrumental outro, allowing the sound to gradually fade out.
- 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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8/10
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
- lush melodies for reflective moments
- groovy rhythms for late-night vibes
- introspective lyrics with emotional depth
- short tracks for quick engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy dance tracks
- seek heavy, aggressive sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- After the Disco is Broken Bells' second studio album, released four years after their acclaimed self-titled debut. The duo, consisting of Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (The Shins), sought to further explore their sound while navigating the pressures of their initial success. This album represents a matured artistic direction, embracing both pop accessibility and deeper thematic explorations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Shins· MGMT· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Perfect World 6:24
- 2 After the Disco 3:39
- 3 Holding on for Life 3:56
- 4 Leave It Alone 5:30
- 5 The Changing Lights 3:48
- 6 Control 3:41
- 7 Lazy Wonderland 3:21
- 8 Medicine 3:28
- 9 No Matter What You’re Told 3:50
- 10 The Angel and the Fool 3:15
- 11 The Remains of Rock & Roll 4:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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