What makes Envy of Angels by The Mutton Birds notable?

Envy of Angels received critical acclaim upon its release, appearing on several year-end best lists in New Zealand and solidifying the band's reputation. The album's single, 'Come Around,' gained significant airplay, contributing to the band's growing popularity and influencing the local rock music landscape during the mid-90s. Released in 1996, Envy of Angels marked The Mutton Birds' second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1993. At this point, the band was beginning to establish their presence on the New Zealand music scene, building on the success of their earlier work and exploring more nuanced themes.

How many songs are on Envy of Angels?

Envy of Angels has 14 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Envy of Angels

The Mutton Birds · 1996

60 min · 14 tracks

Mellow rock melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective atmosphere that captures the essence of mid-90s alternative music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Come Around — This track features a catchy melody paired with poignant lyrics about longing and connection, making it a standout representative of the album's overall themes.
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She's Been Talking — With its driving rhythm and conversational lyrics, this song encapsulates the band's ability to blend storytelling with engaging rock instrumentation.
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Envy of Angels — The title track closes the album with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that explores themes of desire and introspection, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

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 combines introspective lyrics with mellow melodies, creating a reflective atmosphere typical of its era.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Come Around' and 'April'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Come Around

The bridge introduces a moment of vulnerability as it shifts to an urgent plea for connection amidst uncertainty.

This shift elevates the emotional stakes, contrasting with earlier verses and deepening the sense of yearning present throughout the song.

Tracklist

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

1 Straight to Your Head 5:48
2 She's Been Talking 3:53
3 Trouble With You 4:27
4 April 2:13
5 Like This Train 4:27
6 Another Morning 3:18
7 Ten Feet Tall 3:39
8 Come Around 3:55
9 Crooked Mile 2:11
10 Along the Boundary 4:33
11 While You Sleep 4:33
12 Inside My Skin 1:42
13 Envy of Angels 5:48
14 Don't Fear the Reaper 9:57

What to play next

Listen next

Too Hard Basket

1998

Go back to

Nature

1995

Full The Mutton Birds discography Artists like The Mutton Birds

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata