What makes Big TV by White Lies notable?

Big TV received generally favorable reviews, highlighting its sonic ambition and thematic depth, with some critics noting it as a significant evolution from their earlier work. The album peaked at number 24 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting the band's sustained popularity while also showcasing their willingness to explore new musical territories. Released in 2013, Big TV is White Lies' third studio album, following their sophomore effort, Ritual, which had solidified their presence in the post-punk revival scene. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from the commercial success of their earlier albums to a more experimental sound, aiming to redefine their artistic identity.

Big TV works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Big TV?

Big TV has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Big TV

White Lies · 2013

45 min · 12 tracks · post-punk revival

A blend of sweeping synths and driving basslines creates an expansive soundscape that captures both melancholy and hope.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big TV — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of isolation and disillusionment within modern society, blending anthemic choruses with rich production.
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There Goes Our Love Again — This track stands out for its infectious melody and vivid lyrical imagery that explores love's fleeting nature against a backdrop of synth-heavy instrumentation.
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Getting Even — With a pulsating rhythm and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge emotional weight with danceable beats, highlighting their growth as songwriters.

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 atmospheric elements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the vocals throughout its duration.
Tracks alternate between driving rhythms and more subdued, introspective moments, with several songs incorporating instrumental interludes.
The sequencing includes two tracks titled 'Space I' and 'Space II', which serve as transitions that connect the surrounding songs thematically and sonically.

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: 8/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a significant evolution in sound from earlier work, showcasing sonic ambition.
Themes: modern isolation· fading love stories
Career context: Released in 2013, Big TV is White Lies' third studio album, following their sophomore effort, Ritual, which had solidified their presence in the post-punk revival scene. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from the commercial success of their earlier albums to a more experimental sound, aiming to redefine their artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors: Interpol· Editors· The National