Brilliant! Tragic!
Art Brut · 2011
40 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A playful blend of sharp wit and infectious melodies, combining indie rock with a tongue-in-cheek narrative style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Clever Clever Jazz — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and witty commentary on music culture, establishing the band's playful yet critical perspective.
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Bad Comedian — In this track, the band's self-referential humor shines through as they critique the art of comedy, making it a standout example of their lyrical prowess.
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Ice Hockey — With its anthemic chorus and engaging storytelling, this song captures the essence of Art Brut's approach to blending everyday observations with infectious musicality.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases clever narratives and energetic melodies but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a punchy track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining high energy through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
- Each song features a distinct narrative style, often employing conversational lyrics that engage the listener directly.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in dynamics, such as sudden drops to quieter sections or playful instrumental breaks.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- witty lyrics for sharp minds
- short bursts of energetic fun
- for upbeat gatherings
- quirky storytelling with humor
- punchy tracks for quick listens
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative music
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, 'Brilliant! Tragic!' is Art Brut's fourth studio album, following their 2007 release 'It's a Bit Complicated.' The band was experiencing a creative resurgence after some lineup changes and a brief hiatus, allowing them to explore new themes while retaining their signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Futureheads· Franz Ferdinand· We Are Scientists
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clever Clever Jazz 3:45
- 2 Lost Weekend 4:21
- 3 Bad Comedian 4:14
- 4 Sexy Sometimes 3:32
- 5 Is Dog Eared 6:18
- 6 Martin Kemp Welch Five A‐Side Football Rules! 2:14
- 7 Axl Rose 3:28
- 8 I Am the Psychic 2:45
- 9 Ice Hockey 5:32
- 10 Sealand 4:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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