Color Theory cover

Color Theory

Soccer Mommy · 2020

44 min · 10 tracks

Ethereal melodies intertwine with candid lyrics, creating an introspective soundscape that captures the complexities of youth and vulnerability.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    circle the drain — This track stands out for its haunting melody paired with lyrics that capture feelings of helplessness and isolation, embodying the album's emotional core.
  • →
    yellow is the color of her eyes — With its lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics about longing and connection, this song illustrates Soccer Mommy's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes.
  • →
    crawling in my skin — The raw vulnerability expressed in this track underscores the struggle with self-identity, making it a pivotal moment that encapsulates the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's introspective sound and layered production create a compelling listening experience that resonates over time.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a soft, ethereal melody in 'bloodstream' that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the first half.
  • Tracks like 'circle the drain' and 'royal screw up' feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating an immersive soundscape.
  • The last three tracks shift towards more introspective themes, with 'gray light' closing on a subdued note, leaving a lingering sense of contemplation.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 journey
  • dreamy soundscapes for introspection
  • late-night emotional exploration
  • thoughtful lyrics on young adulthood
  • consistent flow for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2020, Color Theory is Soccer Mommy's second studio album following her critically acclaimed debut, Clean. At this point in her career, Sophie Allison had solidified her presence in the indie rock scene, evolving from a bedroom project to a prominent voice addressing themes of emotional turmoil and self-discovery.
Stylistic neighbors
Phoebe Bridgers· Snail Mail· Julien Baker

Tracklist

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

  • 1 bloodstream 5:37
  • 2 circle the drain 4:40
  • 3 royal screw up 4:07
  • 4 night swimming 4:16
  • 5 crawling in my skin 4:17
  • 6 yellow is the color of her eyes 7:15
  • 7 up the walls 2:44
  • 8 lucy 4:56
  • 9 stain 3:00
  • 10 gray light 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata