What makes High on Jackson Hill by Immaculate Machine notable?

High on Jackson Hill received positive reviews from critics, helping the band gain recognition within the indie music community. The album's blend of catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics resonated with listeners, contributing to its moderate commercial success and positioning them alongside other notable Canadian indie acts of the time. Released in 2009, High on Jackson Hill was Immaculate Machine's third album, following their 2007 release, Fables. At this point, the band was solidifying their sound within the Canadian indie pop scene while navigating lineup changes and evolving their musical identity. This album showcased their growth as songwriters and musicians, capturing a more mature perspective compared to earlier works.

How many songs are on High on Jackson Hill?

High on Jackson Hill has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

High on Jackson Hill

Immaculate Machine · 2009

39 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

A vibrant indie pop tapestry woven with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics that capture youthful angst and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't Build the Bridge — Opening with an infectious energy, this track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and relatable themes of hesitation in relationships.
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I Know It's Not as Easy — This song captures a moment of vulnerability, showcasing the band's ability to merge poignant lyrics with melodic charm, making it a standout cut.
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Only Love You for Your Car — With its playful yet biting commentary on superficial relationships, this track exemplifies the band's clever lyricism and catchy songwriting style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective songs.
Several tracks use layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the melodic hooks.
The lyrics often explore themes of youthful uncertainty and longing, with a conversational tone that invites listener engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Know It's Not as Easy

The bridge introduces a shift in perspective where the singer acknowledges personal struggles while addressing another's expectations directly.

This structural choice deepens emotional engagement by contrasting internal conflict with external pressures, enhancing the song's thematic depth.

Tracklist

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

1 Don't Build the Bridge 3:44
2 Thank Me Later 4:20
3 You Destroyer 3:19
4 Sound the Alarms 3:08
5 He's a Biter 2:56
6 I Know It's Not as Easy 4:34
7 Primary Colours 2:55
8 Neighbours Don't Mind 3:03
9 And It Was 2:31
10 You Got Us Into This Mess 3:37
11 Only Love You for Your Car 2:16
12 Blurry Days 3:07

What to play next

Go back to

Fables

2007

Full Immaculate Machine discography Artists like Immaculate Machine

indie pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata