Futurology
Manic Street Preachers · 2014
61 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant exploration of synth-pop and alternative rock, blending introspective lyrics with expansive soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Futurology Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, merging a catchy melody with lyrics that critique contemporary society and explore futuristic themes.
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Let’s Go to War — This track stands out for its anthemic chorus and biting commentary on global conflict, showcasing the band's knack for combining pop sensibility with political critique.
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The Next Jet to Leave Moscow — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this song reflects on personal and political journeys, illustrating the album's broader themes of exile and identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Futurology showcases strong writing and production but has moments that feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, creating a narrative flow that connects themes across the album.
- The use of layered instrumentation and atmospheric production techniques creates expansive soundscapes that enhance the lyrical content.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo rhythmic flow
- thought-provoking social commentary themes
- vibrant energy for road trips
- engaging narratives across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely instrumental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious themes and critical acclaim mark it as an artistic high point.
- Themes
- futuristic vision· Moscow dislocation· socio-political critique
- Moods
- Energetic· Introspective
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Futurology is the Manic Street Preachers' 11th studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2013 release Rewind the Film. At this stage, the band was celebrating their 25th anniversary, reflecting on their legacy while pushing their sound into new territories influenced by European culture and politics.
Tracklist
- 1 Futurology Start here 3:05
- 2 Walk Me to the Bridge 3:14
- 3 Let’s Go to War 2:58
- 4 The Next Jet to Leave Moscow 3:22
- 5 Europa Geht Durch Mich 3:24
- 6 Divine Youth 3:22
- 7 Sex, Power, Love and Money 3:13
- 8 Dreaming a City (Hughesovka) 4:40
- 9 Black Square 4:07
- 10 Between the Clock and the Bed 3:35
- 11 Misguided Missile 4:19
- 12 The View From Stow Hill 4:08
- 13 Mayakovsky 3:41
- 14 Antisocialmanifesto 3:01
- 15 Kodawari 3:20
- 16 Ocean Spray (live at the O2) 4:35
- 17 You Love Us (live at the O2) 3:31
What to play next
Resistance Is Futile
2018
Continues the electronic elements and social themes, expanding the sonic landscape.
Rewind the Film
2013
Sets the stage with reflective themes and a more melodic sound leading into Futurology.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Kid A
Radiohead
Shares a blend of electronic experimentation and alternative rock, exploring themes of alienation.
Sleep Well Beast
The National
Merges atmospheric soundscapes with introspective lyrics, reflecting on modern societal issues.
Four
Bloc Party
Combines punchy rock with electronic elements, addressing contemporary themes of identity and change.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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