Broken Bells
Broken Bells · 2010
37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a dreamy and immersive listening experience that hovers between alternative and space rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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The High Road — As the opening track, it establishes the album's atmospheric tone with its haunting melodies and reflective lyrics about resilience in the face of uncertainty.
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Vaporize — This track features a lush arrangement that beautifully marries Mercer's falsetto with electronic textures, encapsulating the album's exploration of emotional distance.
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Sailing to Nowhere — The song's introspective lyrics paired with an ethereal sound create a poignant sense of longing, showcasing the duo's ability to craft deeply affecting narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends alternative and space rock with unique structures and production, making it distinct yet cohesive.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies that often echo or reverberate, creating a spacious sound that complements the ethereal instrumentals.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and abrupt transitions between themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- dreamy, introspective listening sessions
- short, engaging track lengths
- melodic soundscapes for reflection
- gentle emotional exploration
- steady, flowing rhythms
Where this album fits
- Moods
- Dreamy· Introspective
- Career context
- Broken Bells marked the debut collaboration between Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (The Shins), released on March 9, 2010. At this point, Danger Mouse was already known for his innovative production work while Mercer was riding high on the success of The Shins, making this project a significant artistic pivot for both musicians.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Shins· MGMT· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The High Road 3:52
- 2 Vaporize 3:29
- 3 Your Head Is on Fire 3:04
- 4 The Ghost Inside 3:18
- 5 Sailing to Nowhere 3:46
- 6 Trap Doors 3:19
- 7 Citizen 4:29
- 8 October 3:39
- 9 Mongrel Heart 4:23
- 10 The Mall & Misery 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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