What makes Broken Record Prayers by Comet Gain notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, further establishing Comet Gain as a vital force in indie rock. Its songs often explored themes of nostalgia and personal struggle, resonating with listeners and contributing to the band's cult status, particularly in the UK alternative music scene. Released in 2008, Broken Record Prayers marked Comet Gain's sixth studio album, a significant entry following their 2005 release, City Fallen Leaves. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound within the UK indie scene, characterized by a blend of lo-fi aesthetics and introspective lyrics.

How many songs are on Broken Record Prayers?

Broken Record Prayers has 20 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Released 18 years ago this October

Broken Record Prayers

Comet Gain · 2008

73 min · 20 tracks · indie rock

A tapestry of jangly guitars and wistful melodies captures the essence of indie rock's emotional depth and playful spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jack Nance Hair — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy guitar riff and vivid storytelling that encapsulates the album's nostalgic vibe.
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You Can Hide Your Love Forever — This song features an infectious chorus and poignant lyrics that reflect on love and concealment, perfectly showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Beautiful Despair — With its lush instrumentation and melancholic yet hopeful theme, this track embodies the emotional core of the album's exploration of life's complexities.
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If You Ever Walk Out of My Life — The raw emotion and heartfelt delivery in this song make it a standout moment on the album, highlighting themes of loss and longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and dynamic shifts but lacks a cohesive narrative flow across its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of jangly guitars throughout, creating a bright and layered sound that defines its indie rock style.
Many tracks employ a call-and-response vocal technique, enhancing the sense of dialogue and emotional connection between the singers.
Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from reflective verses to more upbeat choruses, which adds to the dynamic feel of the record.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, providing a contemplative conclusion that contrasts with the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Jack Nance Hair 3:56
2 You Can Hide Your Love Forever 3:48
3 Young Lions 1:51
4 If I Had a Soul 3:17
5 Brothers Off the Block 5:17
6 Beautiful Despair 3:55
7 Love Without Lies 2:57
8 Hard Times 3:38
9 If You Ever Walk Out of My Life 2:48
10 Books of California 3:12
11 Look at You Now (You're Crying) 5:47
12 Mainling Mystery 6:50
13 Asleep on the Snow 3:31
14 Beatnik 4:22
15 He Walked by Night 2:50
16 Orwell Liberty Dance 2:47
17 Emotion Pictures 2:53
18 Tighten Up! 4:13
19 Germ of Youth Part II 2:18
20 Record Prayer 3:39

What to play next

Listen next

Howl of the Lonely Crowd

2011

Go back to

City Fallen Leaves

2005

Full Comet Gain discography Artists like Comet Gain

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata