Is Cyr a good place to start with The Smashing Pumpkins?

Yes, Cyr is recommended as a starting point for new The Smashing Pumpkins listeners. Synth-heavy soundscapes mix with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that explores both nostalgia and futurism. Released on January 1, 2020, Cyr is the eleventh studio album by The Smashing Pumpkins, arriving after a four-year hiatus since Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 2. This album marks a continuation of the band's exploration into electronic influences, diverging from their earlier guitar-driven sound while showcasing frontman Billy Corgan's evolving artistic vision.

Cyr works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, atmospheric soundscapes for immersion and introspective lyrics for reflection.

How many songs are on Cyr?

Cyr has 20 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Cyr

The Smashing Pumpkins · 2020

72 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock

Synth-heavy soundscapes mix with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that explores both nostalgia and futurism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Colour of Love Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with lush synthesizers and introspective lyrics that explore themes of desire and emotional complexity.
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Confessions of a Dopamine Addict — With its pulsating rhythm and candid exploration of addiction and modernity, this track exemplifies the album's blend of personal narrative and electronic experimentation.
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Cyr — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, featuring mesmerizing melodies and reflective lyrics that delve into existential themes, showcasing Corgan's lyrical depth.
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Wyttch — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere and poetic lyrics that evoke imagery of mysticism, demonstrating the band's ability to merge dark themes with melodic hooks.
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Black Forest, Black Hills — Closing the album with a grand sonic sweep, this track encapsulates the journey through light and darkness present throughout Cyr, leaving listeners with lingering contemplation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

Cyr showcases ambitious production but struggles with cohesion due to its length and pacing.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of synthesizers, creating layered soundscapes that dominate the majority of tracks.
Vocals are often processed with effects, contributing to an ethereal quality that blends with the instrumental backdrop.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly noticeable in transitions between verses and choruses.
The running time is extended with 20 tracks, leading to a varied pacing that sometimes disrupts the flow.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 pacing for focused listening
atmospheric soundscapes for immersion
introspective lyrics for reflection
two-halves structure for engagement
cathartic moments of resolution

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Cyr features a synth-heavy sound that departs from the band's earlier rock style.
Themes: digital addiction· ethereal nostalgia· modern mysticism
Career context: Released on January 1, 2020, Cyr is the eleventh studio album by The Smashing Pumpkins, arriving after a four-year hiatus since Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 2. This album marks a continuation of the band's exploration into electronic influences, diverging from their earlier guitar-driven sound while showcasing frontman Billy Corgan's evolving artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors: Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Radiohead