How Do You Burn?
The Afghan Whigs · 2022
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A visceral blend of dark melodies and brooding lyrics that capture a sense of yearning and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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I’ll Make You See God — This track sets the tone for the album with its haunting instrumentation and intense lyrical narrative, encapsulating the themes of redemption and despair.
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Please, Baby, Please — A standout track that combines emotional vulnerability with a catchy chorus, it showcases the band's ability to merge lyrical depth with memorable melodies.
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In Flames — The closing track offers a powerful culmination of the album's themes, featuring an explosive arrangement that leaves listeners contemplating its poignant message.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends familiar elements with new explorations, maintaining a cohesive yet varied sound throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more experimental sound with varied instrumentation.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build tension before resolving into more straightforward melodies.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually slow down, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- brooding melodies with introspective themes
- short bursts of emotional intensity
- nighttime reflections on personal struggles
- cathartic moments of raw expression
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, cheerful vibes
- want lighthearted music experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2022, How Do You Burn? marks The Afghan Whigs' first album in five years, following their 2017 release In Spades. This album sees the band revisiting their signature sound while exploring new themes of vulnerability and existential reflection, showcasing their evolution as artists since reuniting in 2012.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Twilight Singers· Mark Lanegan· Interpol
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I’ll Make You See God 4:52
- 2 The Getaway 3:05
- 3 Catch a Colt 4:23
- 4 Jyja 4:29
- 5 Please, Baby, Please 3:49
- 6 A Line of Shots 3:27
- 7 Domino and Jimmy 3:52
- 8 Take Me There 4:07
- 9 Concealer 2:42
- 10 In Flames 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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