In Spades
The Afghan Whigs · 2017
36 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A brooding blend of alternative rock and soul, steeped in atmospheric textures and rich, emotive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Demon in Profile — This track stands out with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that explore themes of identity and self-reflection. Its dynamic shifts encapsulate the album's emotional depth.
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Oriole — With its intricate arrangement and soaring vocals, this song showcases the band's ability to weave together complex musical ideas while maintaining accessibility. Its reflective tone offers a poignant moment within the album.
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Into the Floor — As a powerful closer, this track combines driving rhythms with contemplative lyrics, creating an impactful finale that leaves listeners contemplating the themes presented throughout the album. Its raw energy is emblematic of The Afghan Whigs' enduring legacy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks significant cultural reach.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and emotional intensity.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- The instrumentation often shifts between sparse arrangements and fuller, more complex soundscapes, enhancing the atmospheric quality.
- 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 late-night introspection
- short bursts of emotional intensity
- atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
- engaging narratives in each track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat party anthems
- want lengthy, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, In Spades marked The Afghan Whigs' first album in over 16 years since their 2006 release, Black Love. This album came during a period of renewed activity for the band, following a successful reunion tour and signifying a reestablishment of their presence in the alternative rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Twilight Singers· Mark Lanegan· Interpol
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Birdland 2:50
- 2 Arabian Heights 4:59
- 3 Demon in Profile 3:23
- 4 Toy Automatic 2:56
- 5 Oriole 4:06
- 6 Copernicus 3:29
- 7 The Spell 3:45
- 8 Light as a Feather 3:08
- 9 I Got Lost 3:20
- 10 Into the Floor 4:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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