Is Cradle to the Grave a good place to start with Squeeze?

Yes, Cradle to the Grave is recommended as a starting point for new Squeeze listeners. Melodic hooks intertwine with witty lyrics, capturing the bittersweet essence of life's ups and downs in vibrant new wave stylings. Released in 2015, Cradle to the Grave is Squeeze's first studio album in 17 years, marking their return after a lengthy hiatus. The band had been largely inactive since their 1998 album, Domino, and this release reestablished their presence in the music scene while showcasing their enduring songwriting prowess.

Who is Cradle to the Grave for?

Cradle to the Grave works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, vibrant reflections on life's contradictions and for sunny afternoon drives.

How many songs are on Cradle to the Grave?

Cradle to the Grave has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 11 years ago this October

Cradle to the Grave

Squeeze · 2015

44 min · 12 tracks · new wave

Melodic hooks intertwine with witty lyrics, capturing the bittersweet essence of life's ups and downs in vibrant new wave stylings.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cradle to the Grave Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of navigating life's challenges with humor and resilience, making it a quintessential Squeeze song.
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Beautiful Game — This track stands out for its clever wordplay and energetic rhythm, reflecting the band's trademark blend of wit and melody.
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Happy Days — With its infectious chorus and reflective lyrics about finding joy amidst adversity, this song captures the essence of Squeeze's optimistic storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and clever lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

Several songs employ a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the interplay between band members.
The album closes with a track that features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection.

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

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
vibrant reflections on life's contradictions
for sunny afternoon drives
engaging melodies for group sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks Squeeze's return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity.
Themes: life's contradictions· football as metaphor
Career context: Released in 2015, Cradle to the Grave is Squeeze's first studio album in 17 years, marking their return after a lengthy hiatus. The band had been largely inactive since their 1998 album, Domino, and this release reestablished their presence in the music scene while showcasing their enduring songwriting prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: XTC· The Buggles· Devo