Grow Up and Blow Away cover

Grow Up and Blow Away

Metric · 2007

39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with driving rhythms, creating a lush soundscape that balances introspection and energetic urgency.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Grow Up and Blow Away Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of youthful disillusionment and aspiration, combining catchy hooks with reflective lyrics that resonate with listeners.
  • →
    Hardwire — A standout for its infectious energy and sharp lyrical commentary on modern life, Hardwire captures the essence of Metric's ability to merge thoughtful songwriting with danceable rhythms.
  • →
    Soft Rock Star — This track cleverly critiques celebrity culture through its playful yet pointed lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending humor with social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases polished production and strong songwriting but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a soft synth pad that gradually builds into a driving rhythm, setting a tone of urgency.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, particularly in 'Soft Rock Star' and 'London Halflife'.
  • The album includes moments of tempo shifts, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Rock Me Now' to the more introspective 'On the Sly'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • introspective late-night vibes
  • melodic background ambiance
  • contemplative emotional reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog that showcases their evolution without being a standout.
Themes
celebrity culture critique· modern life commentary
Career context
Released in 2007, Grow Up and Blow Away is Metric's first full-length album since their breakthrough effort Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? It showcases the band's evolution from their early sound into a more polished indie rock aesthetic, while still retaining their signature blend of synths and guitars. This album marked a significant moment as it was initially recorded in 2001 but saw its release years later after the band's rising popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
Chvrches· Yeah Yeah Yeahs· Bat for Lashes

Tracklist

  • 1 Grow Up and Blow Away Start here 4:13
  • 2 Hardwire 4:41
  • 3 Rock Me Now 3:51
  • 4 The Twist 3:36
  • 5 On the Sly 3:58
  • 6 Soft Rock Star 4:00
  • 7 Raw Sugar 3:38
  • 8 White Gold 4:09
  • 9 London Halflife 2:41
  • 10 Soft Rock Star (Jimmy vs. Joe mix) 4:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata