Birds of Tokyo
Birds of Tokyo · 2010
44 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A soaring blend of melodic alternative rock with introspective lyrics that capture the essence of emotion and experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Plans Start here — This opening track sets the tone with anthemic choruses and reflective lyrics about aspirations and uncertainty, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
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Wild at Heart — With its infectious energy and poignant exploration of freedom, this track resonates with listeners seeking both escapism and connection.
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If This Ship Sinks (I Give In) — As the closing track, it combines emotional weight with expansive instrumentation, offering a cathartic resolution that lingers long after the album ends.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and emotional themes but lacks standout production elements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and tempo shifts.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and personal struggle, with a focus on storytelling that connects with listeners.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- steady emotional climaxes throughout
- ethereal melodies for introspection
- resilient themes of hopefulness
- for reflective evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their reputation and debuted at number one on the ARIA chart.
- Themes
- Australian landscapes· personal aspirations· melodic freedom
- Career context
- Birds of Tokyo's self-titled album marked their third studio release, coming on the heels of their successful 2008 album 'Universes'. This release solidified their place in the Australian music scene, showcasing a matured sound and broader appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Temper Trap· Anberlin· Atlas Genius
Tracklist
- 1 Plans Start here 3:38
- 2 The Saddest Thing I Know 3:08
- 3 The Dark Side of Love 3:42
- 4 In the Veins of Death Valley 4:10
- 5 Circles 4:20
- 6 Wild at Heart 4:00
- 7 The Gap 3:46
- 8 Murmurs 4:21
- 9 The Unspeakable Scene 3:20
- 10 Waiting for the Wolves 2:58
- 11 If This Ship Sinks (I Give In) 6:58
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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