Anthem of the Peaceful Army cover

Anthem of the Peaceful Army

Greta Van Fleet · 2018

45 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of classic rock influences paired with modern anthemic songwriting that resonates with youthful idealism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Age of Man — The opening track sets the tone with a powerful narrative about personal and societal growth, showcasing the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth.
  • →
    When the Curtain Falls — This track encapsulates the band's arena rock aspirations with its catchy chorus and energetic instrumentation, reflecting their commitment to classic rock traditions.
  • →
    Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer) — With its compelling groove and emotive vocals, this song highlights the band's ability to blend intricate melodies with hard-hitting riffs.
  • →
    Brave New World — Exploring themes of change and resilience, this track combines soaring vocals with rich instrumentation, embodying the album's overarching message of hope.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances but lacks unique identity within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and high-energy vocals, establishing a consistent mid-tempo pace.
  • Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, such as 'Watching Over,' which transitions from a soft verse to a powerful chorus.
  • The album closes with the title track, which features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamics with peaks
  • introspective themes of youth
  • engaging in-order listening experience
  • cathartic moments of release

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone single experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 19, 2018, 'Anthem of the Peaceful Army' is Greta Van Fleet's debut full-length album following their EP 'Black Smoke Rising'. At this point, they had gained significant attention for their retro sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, making them a prominent figure in the rock revival scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Rival Sons· Wolfmother· The Black Keys

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Age of Man 6:06
  • 2 The Cold Wind 3:16
  • 3 When the Curtain Falls 3:42
  • 4 Watching Over 4:27
  • 5 Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer) 6:01
  • 6 You’re the One 4:26
  • 7 The New Day 3:44
  • 8 Mountain of the Sun 4:30
  • 9 Brave New World 5:00
  • 10 Anthem 4:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata