Burden of Proof
Bob Schneider · 2013
36 min · 12 tracks · pop music
A playful blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation, merging pop sensibilities with a touch of Americana.
Top tracks — play these first
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Digging for Icicles — This opening track introduces listeners to Schneider's whimsical lyricism and catchy melodies while setting the tone for the entire album.
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Best Day Ever — With its upbeat energy and optimistic lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's overall theme of joy amidst life's challenges.
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Please Ask for Help — This song stands out for its vulnerability, addressing mental health and the importance of seeking support, which resonates deeply with listeners.
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John Lennon — This homage combines nostalgia with introspective reflections on legacy, making it a poignant moment that connects personal experience with broader cultural themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends pop and Americana with introspective lyrics, showcasing Schneider's evolving style.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with layered instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and simpler arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Weed Out the Weak', which transitions from a steady beat to a more freeform style.
- Lyrically, the album often juxtaposes playful imagery with deeper emotional undertones, evident in songs like 'Please Ask for Help' and 'Unpromised Land'.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- catchy melodies for lighthearted moments
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- vibrant introspection during casual hangs
- playful energy for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy, immersive experiences
- prefer deep, complex narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Burden of Proof marks Bob Schneider's sixth studio album, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist after his previous album, A Perfect Day. At this point in his career, Schneider had already established himself in the Austin music scene and was refining his signature style that blends various genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jack Johnson· Jason Mraz· G. Love & Special Sauce
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Digging for Icicles 3:42
- 2 Wish the Wind Would Blow Me 3:05
- 3 Hop on the World 3:47
- 4 Swimming in the Sea 3:30
- 5 Unpromised Land 2:57
- 6 Best Day Ever 3:19
- 7 The Effect 1:57
- 8 Please Ask for Help 2:44
- 9 Weed Out the Weak 2:40
- 10 John Lennon 4:21
- 11 The White Moon 2:54
- 12 Tomorrow 1:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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