Day for Night
The Tragically Hip · 1994
59 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of poetic storytelling and eclectic rock sounds, capturing the essence of Canadian life and existential musings.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nautical Disaster — This track stands out with its vivid storytelling about a sailor’s desperate plea, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
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Grace, Too Start here — The opening track features intricate instrumentation and explores themes of love and loss, setting a reflective tone for the entire album.
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So Hard Done By — With its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, this song captures a sense of disillusionment that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and thematic depth, though its cohesion dips slightly due to varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong lead track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that explore varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, with recurring themes of Canadian identity and existential reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative reflective moments
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Often cited as a high point in their artistry, showcasing poetic storytelling and eclectic sounds.
- Themes
- Canadian landscapes· sailor's desperation· love and loss
- Career context
- Released in 1994, Day for Night was The Tragically Hip's fifth studio album, following their successful record Fully Completely. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its status as a leading voice in Canadian rock, known for their complex lyrics and unique sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Blue Rodeo· The Weakerthans· Gord Downie
Tracklist
- 1 Grace, Too Start here 5:34
- 2 Daredevil 3:46
- 3 Greasy Jungle 4:27
- 4 Yawning or Snarling 4:54
- 5 Fire in the Hole 3:16
- 6 So Hard Done By 3:29
- 7 Nautical Disaster 4:43
- 8 Thugs 4:43
- 9 Inevitability of Death 3:52
- 10 Scared 5:08
- 11 An Inch an Hour 3:21
- 12 Emergency 3:34
- 13 Titanic Terrarium 4:34
- 14 Impossibilium 4:05
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Five Days in July
Blue Rodeo
Captures similar Canadian landscapes and emotional depth through rich storytelling and melodic instrumentation.
Summertime Dream
Gordon Lightfoot
Shares a poetic narrative style with themes of love, loss, and the Canadian experience set to folk-rock melodies.
Left and Leaving
The Weakerthans
Explores existential themes with introspective lyrics and a blend of rock and folk sensibilities.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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