Dear Miss Lonelyhearts
Cold War Kids · 2013
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and infectious melodies that captures both vulnerability and defiance in a modern landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Miracle Mile — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and reflective lyrics about lost opportunities, inviting listeners into the narrative.
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Fear & Trembling — With its pulsating beat and poignant lyrics, this track highlights the tension between anxiety and hope, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotion with energy.
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Dear Miss Lonelyhearts — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and seeking connection through its heartfelt delivery and intricate storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances upbeat melodies with introspective themes, creating a varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Miracle Mile' that sets an upbeat tone, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective tracks.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Bottled Affection' and 'Water & Power'.
- The last two tracks, 'Dear Miss Lonelyhearts' and 'Bitter Poem', slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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 reflective moments
- introspective themes of longing
- short tracks for quick engagement
- uplifting melodies for daily optimism
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer single standout tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — This album is well-regarded among fans for its introspective themes and catchy melodies.
- Career context
- By the time 'Dear Miss Lonelyhearts' was released in 2013, Cold War Kids had already established themselves with their 2006 debut, 'Robbers & Cowards.' This album marked their fifth studio release and followed the more subdued sound of their previous work, 'Mine Is Yours,' indicating a shift towards a more upbeat and melodic style while still exploring themes of loneliness and disconnection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Band of Horses· The National· Modest Mouse
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Miracle Mile 3:00
- 2 Lost That Easy 3:24
- 3 Loner Phase 3:06
- 4 Fear & Trembling 4:42
- 5 Tuxedos 4:10
- 6 Bottled Affection 2:44
- 7 Jailbirds 2:43
- 8 Water & Power 3:12
- 9 Dear Miss Lonelyhearts 4:34
- 10 Bitter Poem 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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