Ballet the Boxer 1
Ours · 2013
43 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A tapestry of sweeping melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in an alternative rock sound that oscillates between vulnerability and defiance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pretty Pain — Opening with haunting vocals layered over atmospheric instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's emotional core by exploring themes of heartache and resilience.
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Emergency — This punchy track features urgent rhythms and raw lyrics that vividly convey a sense of desperation, making it a standout moment of intensity on the album.
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Boxer — With its anthemic chorus and powerful imagery, this song represents a climactic point on the album where vulnerability meets strength, resonating with listeners facing their own struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production, with effective pacing and emotional depth throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace with layered guitar riffs and vocal harmonies, creating a cohesive opening.
- Tracks five through seven introduce a shift in dynamics, with 'Been Down' featuring a stripped-back arrangement that contrasts with the preceding songs.
- The final track, 'Fall Into My Hands', closes the album with a gradual decrescendo, leaving a lingering emotional resonance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- haunting introspection during solitude
- emotional release through reflection
- short bursts of urgency
- atmospheric melodies for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2013, Ballet the Boxer 1 marked Ours' return after a six-year hiatus since their previous album, The New Normal. This album represented a significant phase in the band's evolution as they sought to redefine their sound while maintaining the emotional depth characteristic of their earlier works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Receiving End of Sirens· Circa Survive· Brand New
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pretty Pain 5:11
- 2 Emergency 2:29
- 3 Coming For You 4:01
- 4 Devil 4:24
- 5 Been Down 5:54
- 6 Stand 3:49
- 7 Boxer 4:33
- 8 Sing 3:20
- 9 Get Em Out 3:13
- 10 Fall Into My Hands 6:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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