What makes Commonwealth by Sloan notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, charting at number 15 on the Canadian Albums Chart and showcasing Sloan's enduring relevance in the alternative rock scene. Notably, it includes tracks that were praised for their lyrical depth and melodic richness, further solidifying the band's reputation as influential songwriters within the genre. Commonwealth is Sloan's ninth studio album, released during a period of artistic continuity after their 2011 album The Double Cross. At this point, the band had established themselves as stalwarts of Canadian rock, consistently delivering well-crafted power pop. The release showcases their ability to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining their signature sound.

Who is Commonwealth for?

Commonwealth works well if you're into short bursts of lyrical insight, playful melodies for casual listening and reflective moments amidst energetic tracks.

How many songs are on Commonwealth?

Commonwealth has 15 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Commonwealth

Sloan · 2014

58 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of catchy melodies and diverse influences, reflecting the band's playful yet introspective songwriting approach.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Three Sisters — This track serves as a quintessential example of Sloan's knack for storytelling through music, weaving together personal narratives with vibrant instrumentation that captures an intimate yet expansive feel.
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You Don’t Need Excuses to Be Good — With its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, this song encapsulates the album's overall theme of self-acceptance and authenticity, making it a standout anthem.
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Forty‐Eight Portraits — As an ambitious closing track, this nearly eighteen-minute piece showcases the band's experimental side, featuring shifting tempos and a collage of musical ideas that reflect their evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied songwriting and strong performances but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The album features a unique structure where each of the four band members contributes lead vocals on different tracks, creating distinct sonic flavors.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Three Sisters' which transitions from a laid-back groove to an upbeat chorus.
The lyrics across the album often employ vivid imagery and personal reflections, particularly evident in 'You Don’t Need Excuses to Be Good'.
The final track, 'Forty‐Eight Portraits', is notably longer than the others, allowing for an expansive instrumental outro that contrasts with the preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

short bursts of lyrical insight
playful melodies for casual listening
reflective moments amidst energetic tracks
for afternoon road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive experiences
seek heavy, intense emotional weight

Where this album fits

Career context: Commonwealth is Sloan's ninth studio album, released during a period of artistic continuity after their 2011 album The Double Cross. At this point, the band had established themselves as stalwarts of Canadian rock, consistently delivering well-crafted power pop. The release showcases their ability to experiment with different musical styles while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Big Star· The Posies· Matthew Sweet