Collider
Sam Roberts · 2011
55 min · 13 tracks · rock music
A fusion of introspective lyrics and melodic rock, blending acoustic warmth with electric urgency throughout its diverse tracks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Without a Map — This track encapsulates themes of uncertainty and longing, driven by an infectious melody that highlights Roberts' vocal prowess.
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Graveyard Shift — With its driving rhythm and reflective lyrics, this song serves as a powerful commentary on modern life's monotony and struggle.
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The Band vs. The World — This standout track juxtaposes personal narrative with broader societal observations, making it a microcosm of the album's overarching themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich soundscape.
- The lyrics often reflect personal introspection and social commentary, with recurring themes that connect across multiple tracks.
- 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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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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
- thoughtful lyrics for deep listening
- for road trip soundtracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Collider is Sam Roberts' fourth studio album, released after his commercial breakthrough with Love at the End of the World in 2008. At this point, Roberts was solidifying his place in the Canadian rock scene while experimenting with a more eclectic sound that would characterize his later work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Tragically Hip· Arkells· Matthew Good
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Last Crusade 4:18
- 2 Without a Map 4:06
- 3 Let It In 4:19
- 4 Graveyard Shift 4:27
- 5 No Arrows 4:27
- 6 Longitude 3:19
- 7 Streets of Heaven (Promises, Promises) 4:26
- 8 Sang Froid 3:30
- 9 Twist the Knife 4:13
- 10 I Feel You 5:17
- 11 The Band vs. The World 4:10
- 12 Partition Blues 4:12
- 13 Tractor Beam Blues 4:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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