Great Expectations – The Singles Collection
New Model Army · 2003
70 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
A potent blend of anthemic melodies and incisive lyrics, capturing the spirit of discontent in early 2000s alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Great Expectations Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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51st State — The track's politically charged lyrics critique societal issues, making it a standout anthem that resonates with listeners seeking social justice themes.
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Here Comes the War — This song captures the band's trademark intensity with its urgent soundscape and poignant commentary on conflict, reflecting the turmoil of the era.
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Green & Grey — The evocative imagery in this track paints a vivid picture of life’s complexities, showcasing the band's lyrical depth alongside their melodic prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation showcases varied singles but lacks strong cohesion due to its mixed versions and styles.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include different versions or edits, such as 'Better Than Them (7" version)' and 'Purity (US edit)', which highlight variations in production.
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent energy level with anthemic melodies, while the latter half introduces more introspective tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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4/10
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 anthems for group listening
- thought-provoking tunes for reflection
- urgent melodies with sing-along potential
- mid-tempo tracks for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely instrumental music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive collection that introduces new listeners to their key tracks and evolution.
- Career context
- By 2003, New Model Army was solidifying their legacy with 'Great Expectations – The Singles Collection', a retrospective showcasing their evolution since the late 1980s. This compilation followed their 2001 studio album 'Carnival', marking a moment of reflection and celebration of their impactful singles. The release offered longtime fans and new listeners a curated glimpse into their influential journey through post-punk and alternative rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cult· Killing Joke· The Sisters of Mercy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Here Comes the War
The lyrics shift from personal introspection to broader societal observations, illustrating the urgency felt during times of conflict.
This structural choice amplifies the emotional weight of the narrative, transitioning from individual feelings to collective experiences of strife.
Tracklist
- 1 Great Expectations Start here 3:15
- 2 The Price 3:27
- 3 No Rest 3:52
- 4 Better Than Them (7" version) 3:10
- 5 Brave New World 3:26
- 6 51st State 2:34
- 7 Poison Street (extended mix) 4:05
- 8 White Coats 4:17
- 9 Stupid Questions 3:29
- 10 Vagabonds 5:23
- 11 Green & Grey (7" edit) 4:57
- 12 Get Me Out 3:19
- 13 Purity (US edit) 4:11
- 14 Here Comes the War 4:29
- 15 Living in the Rose 3:52
- 16 Wonderful Way to Go (single mix) 4:38
- 17 You Weren’t There 3:36
- 18 Orange Tree Roads 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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