III
Shiny Toy Guns · 2012
43 min · 11 tracks · new wave
An energetic blend of electronic pop and new wave, marked by infectious hooks and atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Somewhere to Hide — This track encapsulates the album's vibrant energy with its catchy chorus and danceable beat, making it a standout for live performances.
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Mercy — With its emotive lyrics and soaring melodies, Mercy highlights the band's ability to blend introspection with infectious pop sensibilities.
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Carrie — Carrie serves as a poignant exploration of vulnerability and longing, showcasing the lyrical depth that complements the album's upbeat production.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting with varied tempos but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrasting dynamic.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and electronic instrumentation, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the sound.
- The album includes moments where instrumental interludes bridge songs, creating a seamless flow between tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- emotive vocals with ethereal layers
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek immediate gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, III is Shiny Toy Guns' third studio album, following their 2006 debut We Are Pilots and the commercial success of their sophomore effort. This album came during a phase of re-establishing their sound after lineup changes, with lead vocalist Carah Faye Charnow returning to the fold.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Naked and Famous· Chvrches· Passion Pit
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mercy
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to a plea for understanding, marking a moment of raw emotional intensity.
This structural pivot not only amplifies the song's emotional stakes but also contrasts sharply with the previously upbeat sections, enhancing its impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Somewhere to Hide 3:22
- 2 Waiting Alone 3:14
- 3 Carrie 3:50
- 4 If I Lost You 4:13
- 5 Speaking Japanese 3:06
- 6 Mercy 4:25
- 7 Wait for Me 5:51
- 8 Fading Listening 3:26
- 9 The Sun 3:15
- 10 E V A Y 5:20
- 11 Take Me Back to Where I Was 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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