Hatful of Rain cover

Hatful of Rain

Del Amitri

67 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic alternative rock intertwines with introspective lyrics, creating a sound that is both accessible and deeply reflective.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Roll to Me — This track's upbeat tempo contrasts its themes of yearning and longing, making it an anthem for both joy and melancholy. Its catchy hook helped propel it into the charts.
  • →
    Nothing Ever Happens — The song critiques modern life’s monotony with a clever narrative structure, blending irony and wistfulness in a way that resonates with listeners seeking deeper meanings.
  • →
    Always the Last to Know — This track showcases the band's ability to merge heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies, illustrating the pain of unreciprocated feelings in a relatable manner.
  • →
    Driving With the Brakes On — The emotional weight of this track builds through its imagery of stalled ambitions and relationships, exemplifying Del Amitri's knack for poignant storytelling.

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 melodic hooks and reflective lyrics but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track, followed by the hit single 'Roll to Me,' which maintains the upbeat energy.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar melodies and harmonized vocals, creating a rich sound texture throughout.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, shifting to more introspective themes and softer instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night reflections
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context
Hatful of Rain is Del Amitri's second studio album, released in 1992, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was gaining traction in the UK alternative rock scene, moving towards mainstream recognition while honing their signature blend of catchy melodies and poignant storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
The Blue Nile· Crowded House· Semisonic

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cry to Be Found 4:06
  • 2 Roll to Me 2:12
  • 3 Kiss This Thing Goodbye 4:28
  • 4 Not Where It's At 3:41
  • 5 Nothing Ever Happens 3:51
  • 6 Always the Last to Know 4:17
  • 7 Here and Now 5:18
  • 8 Just Like a Man 5:02
  • 9 Spit in the Rain 3:41
  • 10 When You Were Young 4:02
  • 11 Driving With the Brakes On 4:34
  • 12 Stone Cold Sober 4:59
  • 13 Tell Her This 3:13
  • 14 Move Away Jimmy Blue 3:39
  • 15 Be My Downfall 3:30
  • 16 Some Other Sucker's Parade 3:12
  • 17 Don't Come Home Too Soon 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata