First Two Pages of Frankenstein
The National · 2023
47 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
Melancholic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, embodying a reflective journey through emotional landscapes and personal narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
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Once Upon a Poolside — Opening with a gentle piano melody, this track sets the reflective tone for the album, capturing themes of nostalgia and longing.
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Eucalyptus — This song features a rich arrangement and introspective lyrics that explore themes of resilience amidst uncertainty, encapsulating the album's overarching emotional journey.
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The Alcott — A standout collaboration featuring Taylor Swift, this track melds their distinct voices perfectly, exploring complex relational dynamics through vivid imagery.
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Tropic Morning News — With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, this track reflects on the chaos of modern life while maintaining an anthemic quality that resonates deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and production but doesn't significantly redefine its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady build in instrumentation, layering strings and synths that create a lush backdrop for the vocals.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements, blending them seamlessly with melodic sections to enhance the narrative quality.
- The album's pacing fluctuates, with tracks like 'Tropic Morning News' introducing a more upbeat tempo before returning to slower, reflective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- vulnerable themes for quiet moments
- atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
- thoughtful listening during late evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in their sound after many releases.
- Career context
- Released on April 28, 2023, 'First Two Pages of Frankenstein' marks The National's ninth studio album and their first since 2019's 'I Am Easy to Find'. At this phase in their career, the band continues to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature atmospheric instrumentation and poignant storytelling, showcasing a blend of new influences and familiar elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Interpol· The War on Drugs· Bon Iver
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Once Upon a Poolside 3:36
- 2 Eucalyptus 4:24
- 3 New Order T‐Shirt 4:56
- 4 This Isn’t Helping 4:04
- 5 Tropic Morning News 5:09
- 6 Alien 4:07
- 7 The Alcott 4:27
- 8 Grease in Your Hair 3:57
- 9 Ice Machines 4:16
- 10 Your Mind Is Not Your Friend 4:24
- 11 Send for Me 4:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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