Broken Record
Lloyd Cole · 2010
34 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic pop hooks wrapped in a warm, acoustic-driven soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Like a Broken Record — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and repetition through its catchy chorus and relatable reflections on life’s cyclical nature.
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Writers Retreat! — This track stands out for its clever wordplay and humor, showcasing Cole's wit while exploring the struggles of creativity and inspiration in an engaging way.
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If I Were a Song — With its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, this song delves into identity and self-perception, making it one of the most impactful tracks on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and introspective lyrics but lacks standout production elements.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more contemplative tone with sparse instrumentation.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in 'If I Were a Song' and 'Oh Genevieve'.
- 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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5/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 mid-tempo reflective mood
- introspective listening with depth
- short tracks for quick engagement
- melancholic melodies for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy fast-paced music
- seek standalone chart-topping hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 10, 2010, Broken Record marked Lloyd Cole's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus since his previous album, Antidepressant. This album showcases Cole's evolution as a songwriter, reflecting on personal themes while harnessing a more mature sound amid changes in his musical direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Go-Betweens· David Gray· Roxy Music
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Like a Broken Record 3:18
- 2 Writers Retreat! 3:03
- 3 The Flipside 4:02
- 4 Why in the World? 2:50
- 5 Westchester County Jail 2:22
- 6 If I Were a Song 3:47
- 7 That's Alright 3:56
- 8 Oh Genevieve 3:35
- 9 Man Overboard 2:44
- 10 Rhinestones 2:15
- 11 Double Happiness 3:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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