What makes Given to the Wild by The Maccabees notable?

The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart and receiving critical acclaim from major outlets like NME and The Guardian. Additionally, it was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize, highlighting its artistic merit within the landscape of British music at the time. Released in 2012, Given to the Wild marked The Maccabees' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Wall of Arms. By this point, the band had solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing a more expansive sound while continuing to evolve artistically.

Who is Given to the Wild for?

Given to the Wild works well if you're into nostalgic soundscapes for reflection, patient melodies that evolve slowly and anthemic choruses for group sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Given to the Wild?

Given to the Wild has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Given to the Wild

The Maccabees · 2012

52 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with anthemic choruses, creating a lush soundscape that evokes both nostalgia and yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Child — This track opens with a haunting melody that sets an introspective tone for the album, exploring themes of growth and vulnerability.
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Ayla — Featuring atmospheric instrumentation and layered vocals, this song captures the essence of longing and connection central to the album's narrative.
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Grew Up at Midnight — The climactic build-up in this closing track encapsulates the emotional journey of the album, blending reflective lyrics with powerful instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and production but lacks a cohesive flow in its sequencing.

What we noticed

The album opens with an instrumental intro that sets a reflective tone before transitioning into vocal-driven tracks.
Several songs feature layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that builds toward climactic choruses.
The last three tracks slow the tempo significantly, allowing for a contemplative close to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic soundscapes for reflection
patient melodies that evolve slowly
anthemic choruses for group sing-alongs
evocative themes of yearning
for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2012, Given to the Wild marked The Maccabees' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Wall of Arms. By this point, the band had solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing a more expansive sound while continuing to evolve artistically.
Stylistic neighbors: Bombay Bicycle Club· Foals· The Vaccines

Tracklist

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

1 Given to the Wild (intro) 2:11
2 Child 4:31
3 Feel to Follow 3:29
4 Ayla 3:47
5 Glimmer 4:03
6 Forever I've Known 5:21
7 Heave 4:27
8 Pelican 3:44
9 Went Away 3:39
10 Go 4:12
11 Unknow 5:09
12 Slowly One 4:17
13 Grew Up at Midnight 4:00

What to play next

Listen next

Marks to Prove It

2015

Go back to

Wall of Arms

2009

Full The Maccabees discography Artists like The Maccabees

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata