How Does It Feel cover

How Does It Feel

MS MR · 2015

43 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of emotional depth and danceable energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Criminals — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and sharp commentary on societal norms, encapsulating the album's thematic core of defiance.
  • →
    No Guilt in Pleasure — With its anthemic feel and reflective lyrics, this song embodies the tension between desire and consequence that runs throughout the album.
  • →
    How Does It Feel — The title track offers an introspective examination of vulnerability and longing, showcasing the duo's signature blend of emotive lyrics and lush instrumentation.

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 blends upbeat synths with introspective lyrics, creating a varied but cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong synth line in 'Painted' that sets a vibrant tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
  • Tracks like 'Criminals' and 'No Guilt in Pleasure' feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, while the instrumentation remains upbeat.
  • The latter half of the album introduces more introspective tracks such as 'Leave Me Alone' and 'Pieces', which slow down the tempo and shift the emotional focus.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 3/10

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 bursts of vibrant energy
  • danceable rhythms with emotional depth
  • introspective lyrics for reflective moments
  • engaging tracks for social settings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want slower, more meditative music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2015, How Does It Feel is MS MR's first album following their debut record, Secondhand Rapture. The band aimed to refine their sound while exploring themes of personal struggle and identity, marking a significant evolution in their musical approach as they transitioned from their earlier success.
Stylistic neighbors
Chvrches· Bat for Lashes· Lorde

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Painted 3:45
  • 2 Criminals 3:18
  • 3 No Guilt in Pleasure 3:50
  • 4 Wrong Victory 3:24
  • 5 Tripolar 3:40
  • 6 How Does It Feel 3:53
  • 7 Tunnels 3:24
  • 8 Leave Me Alone 4:18
  • 9 Reckless 3:50
  • 10 Cruel 3:26
  • 11 Pieces 3:34
  • 12 All the Things Lost 3:14

What to play next

Secondhand Rapture
Go back to

Secondhand Rapture

2013
Full MS MR discography Artists like MS MR
indie pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata