Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros · 2013
52 min · 12 tracks · indie folk
An uplifting blend of indie folk and pop, merging heartfelt lyrics with vibrant instrumentation and communal spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Better Days — The opening track sets an optimistic tone for the album, combining catchy hooks with reflective lyrics about hope and perseverance.
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Life Is Hard — This song contrasts lighter moments with a deep exploration of struggle, showcasing the band's ability to blend joy with somber reality.
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This Life — Closing the album, this track encapsulates the band's signature sound, blending rich harmonies and poignant storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic and reflective moments but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a strong emphasis on communal vocals and layered instrumentation.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response structures, enhancing the participatory feel of the music.
- The last three tracks shift to a more reflective tone, with slower tempos and introspective lyrics that contrast with earlier energy.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- collective joy in gatherings
- steady pacing for road trips
- whimsical narratives for daydreaming
- feel-good vibes on sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek intense emotional depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This self-titled album marked the third full-length release for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, following their acclaimed sophomore effort 'Here' in 2013. The band continued to solidify their place in the indie folk scene while expanding their sound with broader influences, showcasing a more polished production style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Lumineers· Of Monsters and Men· Mumford & Sons
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Better Days 4:25
- 2 Let’s Get High 6:30
- 3 Two 3:28
- 4 Please! 3:33
- 5 Country Calling 3:30
- 6 Life Is Hard 3:31
- 7 If I Were Free 5:38
- 8 In the Lion 4:34
- 9 They Were Wrong 3:42
- 10 In the Summer 3:35
- 11 Remember to Remember 4:23
- 12 This Life 5:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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