Cities
Anberlin · 2007
46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic alternative rock intertwines with introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that balances emotional depth and soaring instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Godspeed Start here — This track showcases the band's ability to blend urgency with melodic hooks, encapsulating themes of hope and longing through its dynamic arrangement.
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The Unwinding Cable Car — A standout ballad that utilizes atmospheric instrumentation to explore intricate emotions about relationships and vulnerability, marking a high point in the album.
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Dismantle.Repair. — Closing the album, this track combines reflective lyrics with powerful instrumentation, serving as a cathartic resolution that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Anberlin's 'Cities' combines strong melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into more dynamic songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The pacing fluctuates throughout, with mid-tempo anthems followed by slower, introspective pieces that allow for moments of reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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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
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
- gradual builds and payoffs
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases lyrical maturity and sonic diversity, marking an artistic high point.
- Themes
- introspective relationships· melodic urgency
- Career context
- Released on February 20, 2007, 'Cities' is Anberlin's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'Never Take Friendship Personal'. At this point in their career, Anberlin was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, having gained notable traction with their previous releases and tours.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Switchfoot· The Classic Crime· Hawthorne Heights
Tracklist
- 1 (Début) 1:26
- 2 Godspeed Start here 3:02
- 3 Adelaide 3:14
- 4 A Whisper & a Clamor 3:25
- 5 The Unwinding Cable Car 4:17
- 6 There Is No Mathematics to Love and Loss 3:11
- 7 Hello Alone 4:00
- 8 Alexithymia 3:23
- 9 Reclusion 3:31
- 10 Inevitable 3:47
- 11 Dismantle.Repair. 4:18
- 12 (*Fin) 8:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Nothing Is Sound
Switchfoot
Shares introspective themes and soaring melodies, blending alternative rock with emotional depth.
Black & White
The Maine
Features melodic urgency and intimate lyrics, creating a similar emotional resonance in alternative rock.
Mmhmm
Relient K
Combines catchy melodies with reflective lyrics, echoing the emotional landscapes found in 'Cities'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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