Black is the New Black
Everclear · 2015
39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of alternative rock and introspective lyrics, reflecting the struggles of love and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Man Who Broke His Own Heart — This track captures the essence of vulnerability and self-reflection, featuring poignant storytelling that resonates with listeners on a personal level.
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American Monster — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics, this song critiques societal expectations while maintaining a catchy hook that showcases Everclear's signature sound.
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Pretty Bomb — This track stands out for its melodic structure and emotional depth, highlighting themes of disillusionment while delivering a powerful chorus that lingers.
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 but lacks standout elements that would elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and steady drumming, establishing a high energy that persists until the fourth track.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 pacing with gradual resolution
- personal introspection through raw energy
- short tracks for focused listening
- suitable for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued vitality and relevance.
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Black is the New Black marks Everclear's first studio album in over a decade after their hiatus following 2003's Slow Motion Daydream. The band was reestablishing itself with this album, as frontman Art Alexakis aimed to merge personal narratives with a contemporary sound, navigating through both personal challenges and the changing music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sugar Ray· Third Eye Blind· Matchbox Twenty
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sugar Noise 3:12
- 2 The Man Who Broke His Own Heart 3:57
- 3 American Monster 3:16
- 4 Complacent 3:29
- 5 You 3:52
- 6 This Is Your Death Song 2:26
- 7 Simple and Plain 3:26
- 8 Anything Is Better Than This 3:10
- 9 Van Gogh Sun 4:27
- 10 Pretty Bomb 3:03
- 11 Safe 5:32
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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