Is Battle for the Sun a good place to start with Placebo?

Yes, Battle for the Sun is recommended as a starting point for new Placebo listeners. A vibrant blend of alternative rock and electronic textures, infused with introspective lyrics and anthemic melodies. Released on June 8, 2009, 'Battle for the Sun' marked Placebo's sixth studio album and their first since the departure of drummer Steve Hewitt. This album represents a shift towards a more upbeat sound following the darker themes of their previous work, 'Meds', which had come out in 2006.

Who is Battle for the Sun for?

Battle for the Sun works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, contemplative late-night vibes and steady, consistent energy levels.

How many songs are on Battle for the Sun?

Battle for the Sun has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Battle for the Sun

Placebo · 2009

52 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock and electronic textures, infused with introspective lyrics and anthemic melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kitty Litter Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Battle for the Sun — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic essence of struggle and resilience, combining dynamic instrumentation with reflective lyrics that invite listeners to confront their battles.
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Julien — This track stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, revealing vulnerability through its exploration of loss and longing amidst a lush sonic backdrop.
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Happy You’re Gone — With its infectious melody and upbeat tempo, this song juxtaposes feelings of liberation against the backdrop of heartbreak, illustrating the album's nuanced approach to complex emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat alternative rock with electronic textures, showcasing varied tempos and layered vocals.

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 build intensity, particularly in the choruses, creating anthemic moments.
The use of electronic elements is prominent in tracks like 'Bright Lights' and 'Speak in Tongues', adding texture to the alternative rock foundation.

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

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

dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative late-night vibes
steady, consistent energy levels
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality with a shift to more upbeat sounds and themes.
Career context: Released on June 8, 2009, 'Battle for the Sun' marked Placebo's sixth studio album and their first since the departure of drummer Steve Hewitt. This album represents a shift towards a more upbeat sound following the darker themes of their previous work, 'Meds', which had come out in 2006.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Interpol· My Chemical Romance