What makes Back to the Water Below by Royal Blood notable?

'Back to the Water Below' debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, affirming Royal Blood's continued relevance in the rock scene. The album has been praised for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, receiving favorable reviews from major outlets like NME and Kerrang!, further solidifying their reputation as genre-defining artists. Released on September 8, 2023, 'Back to the Water Below' marks Royal Blood's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release 'Typhoons' in 2021. This album showcases their evolution as a band, incorporating more diverse musical elements while remaining anchored in their hard rock roots.

Who is Back to the Water Below for?

Back to the Water Below works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, energizing riffs for workouts and captivating flow from start.

How many songs are on Back to the Water Below?

Back to the Water Below has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Back to the Water Below

Royal Blood · 2023

37 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic fusion of hard rock and blues-infused melodies, driven by propulsive rhythms and gritty guitar riffs.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Mountains at Midnight — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics about introspection and resilience. It encapsulates the band's blend of hard-hitting instrumentals and emotional depth.
→
Shiner in the Dark — The track stands out with its infectious groove and anthemic chorus, showcasing Royal Blood's knack for crafting accessible yet impactful rock songs. Its energetic vibe makes it a highlight of the album.
→
How Many More Times — With its compelling narrative and intricate layering of sounds, this song represents a significant moment in the album where vulnerability meets strength, illustrating the band's growth as lyricists.
→
Everything’s Fine — This closing track balances upbeat instrumentation with reflective lyrics, offering listeners a sense of closure while inviting them to contemplate deeper themes present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock with blues influences, showcasing strong craft but with some conventional elements.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving rhythms and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more melodic and introspective tracks.
The lyrics often explore themes of personal struggle and resilience, adding depth to the music without overshadowing the instrumental elements.

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: 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove
energizing riffs for workouts
captivating flow from start
for driving playlists

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, sounds
seek lengthy, sprawling epics

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 8, 2023, 'Back to the Water Below' marks Royal Blood's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release 'Typhoons' in 2021. This album showcases their evolution as a band, incorporating more diverse musical elements while remaining anchored in their hard rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Death from Above 1979· The Black Keys· Wolfmother