Always Foreign
The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die · 2017
42 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A tapestry of intricate melodies and introspective lyrics, blending emo and indie rock with raw emotional honesty.
Top tracks — play these first
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Faker — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of authenticity versus façade, featuring dynamic shifts that mirror its thematic tension between vulnerability and bravado.
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Marine Tigers — The sprawling arrangement and emotionally charged lyrics highlight the band's ability to weave complex storytelling with atmospheric instrumentation, making it a standout piece.
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For Robin — This poignant tribute combines delicate melodies with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing the band's tenderness amid their more intense sonic moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing emotional depth and varied arrangements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of layered guitar melodies that build tension, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, creating a contrast with the sung vocals and adding depth to the lyrical themes.
- The album closes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering emotional resonance.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- short bursts of emotional intensity
- thoughtful reflections on personal experiences
- intricate melodies for focused listening
- late-night introspection with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Always Foreign is the third studio album by The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, following their acclaimed 2015 release, Harmlessness. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the emo revival scene, expanding their sound while maintaining their commitment to lyrical depth. The album reflects a maturing perspective as they navigated personal and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tigers Jaw· Pianos Become the Teeth· The Hotelier
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I’ll Make Everything 2:26
- 2 The Future 2:28
- 3 Hilltopper 3:01
- 4 Faker 5:12
- 5 Gram 3:50
- 6 Dillon and Her Son 2:24
- 7 Blank #12 1:16
- 8 For Robin 3:59
- 9 Marine Tigers 7:03
- 10 Fuzz Minor 4:31
- 11 Infinite Steve 6:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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