Antidepressant cover

Released 20 years ago

Antidepressant

Lloyd Cole · 2006

40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of alternative rock and pop, laced with introspective lyrics and a subtle electronic undercurrent.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Woman in a Bar — This track encapsulates the album's themes of loneliness and reflection through its narrative-driven lyrics, exploring moments of connection in everyday life.
  • →
    Antidepressant — The title track serves as a poignant commentary on mental health, combining catchy melodies with an honest exploration of personal struggles.
  • →
    I Didn't See It Coming — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, showcasing Cole's signature storytelling style within a contemporary sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends alternative rock with electronic elements, showcasing thoughtful lyrics and varied song structures.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued electronic texture that persists throughout.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, with Cole's voice often accompanied by backing vocals that create a rich soundscape.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • introspective themes for quiet times
  • rich melodies for focused listening
  • contemplative vibes during solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, Antidepressant marked Lloyd Cole's return to music after a four-year hiatus since his last studio album. This project came at a time when Cole was experimenting with a more polished sound, integrating electronic elements into his songwriting while still retaining the lyrical depth that characterized his earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
The Go-Betweens· David Gray· Roxy Music

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Young Idealists 2:43
  • 2 Woman in a Bar 3:37
  • 3 NYC Sunshine 4:21
  • 4 Antidepressant 2:39
  • 5 I Didn't See It Coming 3:41
  • 6 How Wrong Can You Be? 4:54
  • 7 Everysong 2:21
  • 8 I Am Not Willing 3:51
  • 9 Slip Away 2:58
  • 10 Travelling Light 3:46
  • 11 Rolodex Incident 5:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata