Glow in the Dark cover

Glow in the Dark

Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers · 2009

14 tracks · Americana

A vibrant blend of Americana and Southern rock that captures the essence of love, longing, and life on the border.

Top tracks — play these first

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    I Know You Know — This track exemplifies the album's upbeat spirit while exploring themes of familiarity and connection through its catchy chorus and driving rhythm.
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    Maybe We Should Fall in Love — With its romantic undertones and jangly guitars, this song captures the playful essence of love that permeates the album.
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    Your Name on a Grain of Rice — This poignant track presents a tender narrative about personal significance, showcasing Clyne's lyrical strength amidst a melodic backdrop.
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    Hello New Day — An anthem of optimism, this track's uplifting message and infectious energy make it a standout moment that encapsulates the album’s themes.

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 features solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a steady mid-tempo pace, while the sixth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • reflective moments with friends
  • lively sing-alongs at gatherings
  • fragmented energy for road trips
  • uplifting vibes for sunny days
  • casual background for social events

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer cohesive long-form pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Glow in the Dark is Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers' fourth studio album, coming after their successful record, No More Beautiful World. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound and fanbase, known for their infectious melodies and storytelling rooted in Southwestern culture.
Stylistic neighbors
Son Volt· Wilco· The Jayhawks

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Contraband
  • 2 Maybe We Should Fall in Love
  • 3 I Know You Know
  • 4 Mexico/Lemons
  • 5 Down Together
  • 6 Your Name on a Grain of Rice
  • 7 Mercy
  • 8 Sin Nombre
  • 9 Leave an Open Door
  • 10 I Can Drink the Water
  • 11 Hello New Day
  • 12 Mañana
  • 13 European Swallow
  • 14 I Do

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata