Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The track showcases Waters' lyrical depth and unique sound, though it remains a single without broader impact.

What we noticed

• — The track features a slow build, starting with a minimalist piano line that gradually layers in strings and vocals.
• — Waters employs a call-and-response vocal style, alternating between his lead and background harmonies to create a haunting effect.
• — The song's structure includes a repeated refrain that emphasizes its central themes, while the instrumentation shifts dynamically throughout.

How the number is built

Composition 25% of the score

7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score

6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score

5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score

7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score

8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Blackstar

David Bowie

Explores existential themes with a haunting blend of jazz and rock, echoing Waters' lyrical depth.

Skeleton Tree

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Shares a somber atmosphere and introspective lyrics about loss and disillusionment.

The Optimist

Anathema

Combines progressive rock with emotional narratives, reflecting on memory and existential struggles.