Don't Look Down cover

Don't Look Down

Cerys Matthews · 2009

41 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic rock, steeped in a warm, folk-inflected soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Into the Blue — This track features airy instrumentation combined with poignant lyrics that encapsulate themes of longing and hope, making it a standout piece on the album.
  • →
    Spider and the Fly — The narrative depth and metaphorical content in this song reflect Matthews' storytelling prowess, offering a rich listening experience that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    A Captain Needs a Ship — This track showcases a more anthemic quality with its sing-along chorus, highlighting Matthews' ability to craft engaging melodies that captivate listeners.

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 blends melodic rock with folk influences, showcasing solid songwriting and production but lacks standout cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and introspective themes.
  • Several tracks feature prominent backing harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Heron

    The verses shift from vivid nature imagery to introspective reflections on life choices and their implications.

    This transition enhances the emotional weight of the song, merging external beauty with internal conflict in a way that deepens listener engagement.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Arlington Way 3:31
  • 2 Into the Blue 3:23
  • 3 Aeroplanes 3:20
  • 4 Spider and the Fly 3:42
  • 5 It's What's Left (That Makes It Right) 2:02
  • 6 Smash the Glass 3:35
  • 7 Salutations 3:43
  • 8 A Captain Needs a Ship 3:25
  • 9 Evelyn 4:12
  • 10 Oranges to Florida 3:04
  • 11 Heron 4:18
  • 12 Through a Glass 3:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata