Boylan Heights cover

Boylan Heights

The Connells · 1987

39 min · 11 tracks · pop rock

Melodic guitar riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant soundscape that captures the essence of late '80s alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Scotty's Lament — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its poignant storytelling and catchy melody, encapsulating the band's ability to blend personal themes with accessible music.
  • →
    Choose a Side — The song showcases a driving rhythm and sharp lyrical commentary on indecision and personal conflict, highlighting the band's knack for blending angst with melodic hooks.
  • →
    Try — With its infectious chorus and energetic instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's pop-rock sensibilities while addressing themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
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    Just Like Us — This song stands out for its catchy refrain and relatable lyrics about conformity and individuality, making it a signature moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic tracks with reflective moments, showcasing solid songwriting and production typical of late '80s alternative rock.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several songs incorporate layered harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The instrumental track 'OT²' serves as a bridge between two distinct sections of the album, providing a moment of reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • If It Crumbles

    The bridge introduces a shift in perspective as it questions certainty while contrasting hopeful imagery against potential failure.

    This structural choice emphasizes vulnerability, providing a stark contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the song.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Scotty's Lament 3:24
  • 2 Choose a Side 3:44
  • 3 Try 3:17
  • 4 Just Like Us 3:28
  • 5 If It Crumbles 3:43
  • 6 Pawns 3:24
  • 7 Over There 3:29
  • 8 Elegance 3:40
  • 9 Home Today 3:28
  • 10 OT² (instrumental) 2:52
  • 11 I Suppose 4:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata