Cinema cover

Cinema

The Cat Empire · 2010

42 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz, ska, and world music that captures the joy and chaos of urban life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waiting — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and upbeat energy, encapsulating the band's signature style.
  • →
    The Heart is a Cannibal — With its poignant lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, this track highlights the band's knack for blending introspective themes with lively rhythms.
  • →
    On My Way — This song exemplifies the fusion of genres that defines the album, featuring a catchy melody that invites listeners to dance while exploring themes of journey and belonging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends various styles with strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative arc.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of brass instruments throughout, creating a lively and dynamic sound.
  • The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • inviting reflective moments
  • suitable for social gatherings

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved for its vibrant blend, showcasing the band's unique sound and energy.
Career context
Released in 2010, Cinema is The Cat Empire's fourth studio album, following their successful release, So Many Nights, in 2007. By this time, the band had solidified their unique sound and built a substantial international fanbase, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters.
Stylistic neighbors
The Bamboos· Fat Freddy's Drop· The Specials

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Waiting 3:08
  • 2 Falling 4:09
  • 3 Feeling's Gone 2:33
  • 4 Only Light 4:38
  • 5 All Hell 3:05
  • 6 Shoulders 5:06
  • 7 The Heart is a Cannibal 4:05
  • 8 Reasonably Fine 4:00
  • 9 Call Me Home 4:06
  • 10 On My Way 3:18
  • 11 Beyond All 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata