What makes An End Has a Start by Editors notable?

This album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and received positive reviews from major publications like NME and The Guardian. Its lead single, also titled An End Has a Start, became emblematic of the band's cinematic sound and helped solidify Editors' reputation as key players in the post-punk revival movement of the mid-2000s. Released in 2007, An End Has a Start served as Editors' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, The Back Room. The band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, building on the momentum of their initial success and refining their sound into a more polished yet emotionally resonant direction.

How many songs are on An End Has a Start?

An End Has a Start has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

An End Has a Start

Editors · 2007

19 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Atmospheric melodies intertwine with driving rhythms, creating an expansive soundscape that balances introspection and urgency.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
An End Has a Start — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of themes like change and longing, driven by anthemic instrumentation that showcases the band's evolved sound.
→
An End Has a Start (Jacknife Lee remix) — This remix transforms the original into a more electronic-infused experience, highlighting the band's adaptability and willingness to experiment with their sonic palette.
→
An End Has a Start (The Whip remix) — Offering a different take on the title track, this version emphasizes rhythm and club-ready beats, showcasing how Editors' music transcends traditional rock boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album balances introspective melodies with driving rhythms, showcasing solid songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow build in 'Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors', gradually layering instrumentation before reaching a driving rhythm.
Tracks like 'The Racing Rats' feature a consistent tempo and dynamic shifts, creating tension that is released in the chorus.
Several songs incorporate atmospheric synths alongside traditional rock instrumentation, blending melancholy melodies with urgent rhythms.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Editors' reputation, debuting at number one and receiving critical acclaim.
Career context: Released in 2007, An End Has a Start served as Editors' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, The Back Room. The band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, building on the momentum of their initial success and refining their sound into a more polished yet emotionally resonant direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Interpol· The National· Bloc Party