What makes At the Foot of My Rival by The New Amsterdams notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and acoustic craftsmanship, solidifying The New Amsterdams’ place within the indie music scene. It also contributed to the broader resurgence of acoustic-based rock in the mid-2000s, influencing a wave of similar artists seeking to blend personal storytelling with melodic instrumentation. By the time 'At the Foot of My Rival' was released in 2007, The New Amsterdams had already established themselves with their previous work, particularly their 2003 album 'Story Like a Scar.' This album marked a continuation of their exploration into melodic acoustic music, showcasing a mature sound that highlighted the songwriting prowess of frontman Matthew Pryor.

How many songs are on At the Foot of My Rival?

At the Foot of My Rival has 14 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

At the Foot of My Rival

The New Amsterdams · 2007

42 min · 14 tracks · acoustic music

A reflective blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Day Is Done — This track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and acceptance, blending poignant lyrics with an engaging melody that lingers long after listening.
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Fountain of Youth — With its upbeat tempo and evocative lyrics, this song captures a yearning for lost youth while maintaining a catchy chorus that stands out.
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Drunk or Dead — This track presents a raw honesty about life's struggles, balancing somber themes with an infectious rhythm that drives the narrative forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but follows familiar acoustic rock templates.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The instrumentation primarily consists of acoustic guitar, with occasional piano and strings adding depth to specific songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Revenge 1:44
2 Wait 3:01
3 Fountain of Youth 2:55
4 This Day Is Done 3:00
5 Without a Sound (Eleanor) 3:20
6 Silverlake 3:06
7 Lost Long Shot 2:53
8 Hughes 3:11
9 Beacon in Beige 2:43
10 Story Like a Scar 3:13
11 Fortunate Fool 2:48
12 Lay on the Rails 4:16
13 Drunk or Dead 3:02
14 Blood on the Floor 2:53

What to play next

Listen next

Killed or Cured

2007

Go back to

Story Like a Scar

2006

Full The New Amsterdams discography Artists like The New Amsterdams

acoustic music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata