Burning the Days
Vertical Horizon · 2009
51 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks wrapped in polished alternative rock soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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All Is Said and Done — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and resolution, featuring an infectious melody that sets the tone for the rest of the record.
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I Believe in You — With its heartfelt lyrics and uplifting arrangement, this song stands out as a testament to personal faith and support, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Welcome to the Bottom — The closing track offers a poignant exploration of struggle and resilience, combining contemplative lyrics with a compelling instrumental build-up that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with polished melodies but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks with a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
- Several songs utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic hooks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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 moments
- introspective themes for quiet times
- soothing harmonies for late nights
- melodic flow during thoughtful reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic music
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of 'Burning the Days,' Vertical Horizon was navigating a new phase following their commercial peak in the late '90s with hits like 'Everything You Want.' This album marked their first release after a significant hiatus since 2003's 'Go,' showcasing a matured sound while retaining their signature melodic sensibilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Matchbox Twenty· Goo Goo Dolls· Lifehouse
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Lucky One
The moment shifts from nostalgia to introspection as it questions the price of success amidst personal loss.
This transition emphasizes the complexity of ambition, challenging the listener to consider what truly defines happiness.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All Is Said and Done 4:23
- 2 The Lucky One 3:54
- 3 The Middle Ground 4:24
- 4 I Believe in You 3:23
- 5 Save Me From Myself 4:17
- 6 Carrying On 3:36
- 7 Back to You 3:33
- 8 Can You Help Me 3:59
- 9 Afterglow 3:58
- 10 Here 3:41
- 11 Welcome to the Bottom 5:47
- 12 Even Now 6:43
![Burning The Days [2008 Demos]](/images/artwork.png)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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