Better Nature
Silversun Pickups · 2015
51 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with layered guitars, creating a rich sonic landscape that balances melancholy and vibrant energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cradle (Better Nature) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Connection — This track stands out for its infectious chorus and introspective lyrics that explore themes of longing and human connection amidst a busy world. The blend of driving rhythms and lush instrumentation encapsulates the album's overall emotional landscape.
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Ragamuffin — With its pulsating beat and haunting melodies, Ragamuffin showcases the band's ability to merge dark themes with uplifting sounds. The song exemplifies the lyrical vulnerability present throughout the album while maintaining an anthemic quality.
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Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) — This track highlights the band's experimental side, featuring intricate layers and a shifting tempo that reflect the complexities of time and existence. Its introspective lyrics resonate deeply, prompting listeners to contemplate their own patterns of life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong dynamics and layered arrangements but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Cradle', layering vocals and guitars before transitioning to more upbeat tracks like 'Connection'.
- Several tracks, including 'Pins & Needles' and 'Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance)', feature dynamic shifts in intensity, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
- The final track, 'The Wild Kind', concludes the album with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection.
- 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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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dreamlike emotional exploration
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- captivating headphone detail hunting
- thoughtful afternoon listening
- engaging journey through soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog that explores mature themes and sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Better Nature is the fourth studio album by Silversun Pickups, following their critically acclaimed release Neck of the Woods from 2012. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their signature sound while exploring new production techniques, collaborating with producer Jacknife Lee to achieve a more polished and expansive feel.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Smashing Pumpkins· My Morning Jacket· Death Cab for Cutie
Tracklist
- 1 Cradle (Better Nature) Start here 5:20
- 2 Connection 4:33
- 3 Pins & Needles 4:42
- 4 Friendly Fires 5:28
- 5 Nightlight 4:52
- 6 Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) 3:49
- 7 Tapedeck 6:01
- 8 Latchkey Kids 3:41
- 9 Ragamuffin 6:00
- 10 The Wild Kind 6:36
What to play next
Widow's Weeds
2019
Continues the ethereal sound with a darker, more introspective tone.
Neck of the Woods
2012
Sets a foundation with layered soundscapes that lead into Better Nature.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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