Finding It Hard to Smile
Lovelytheband · 2018
54 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
Bright melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, crafting an infectious indie pop sound that balances vulnerability and euphoria.
Top tracks — play these first
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broken — This track serves as the cornerstone of the album, showcasing its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about heartbreak and resilience.
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pity party — With its upbeat tempo contrasting with themes of loneliness, this song captures the essence of feeling isolated while surrounded by friends.
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make you feel pretty — This track highlights the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with deeper emotional messages about self-worth and external validation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features catchy melodies and introspective lyrics but lacks significant depth for long-term engagement.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective mood.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the chorus sections.
- The interlude track 'filling a void' serves as a brief pause, breaking up the flow and allowing for a shift in emotional tone before resuming with more energetic tracks.
- 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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5/10
- 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
- upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics
- sing-along participation with friends
- short bursts of emotional expression
- for afternoon gatherings
- reflective moments between lively tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek deep, complex narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Finding It Hard to Smile is Lovelytheband's debut studio album, following the success of their viral hit 'Broken'. Released in 2018, this album solidified their presence in the indie pop scene as they transitioned from internet fame to established artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Foster the People· MisterWives· Coin
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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maybe, i’m afraid
The lyrics shift from a hopeful tone to a moment of vulnerability, admitting fear about relationships and personal insecurities.
This transition deepens the emotional impact, revealing layers of complexity that elevate the song beyond surface-level sentiments.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 finding it hard to smile 1:15
- 2 pity party 3:13
- 3 make you feel pretty 3:53
- 4 broken 3:27
- 5 alone time 3:54
- 6 these are my friends 3:31
- 7 coachella 3:44
- 8 filling a void (interlude) 1:06
- 9 your whatever 3:16
- 10 maybe, i’m afraid 3:11
- 11 emotion 3:41
- 12 walk from here 3:24
- 13 stupid mistakes 3:56
- 14 make believe 3:48
- 15 i like the way 3:02
- 16 everything i could never say… to you 5:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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