What makes International Blue by Manic Street Preachers notable?

International Blue was well-received by critics, with many praising its lyrical depth and musical composition. It debuted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating the band's sustained relevance in a changing music landscape. Released as part of their twelfth studio album, International Blue marked a significant moment for Manic Street Preachers, coming five years after their previous work, Rewind the Film. This album showcases a renewed vigor and creative direction as the band explores themes of identity and loss while maintaining their signature sound.

How many songs are on International Blue?

International Blue has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

International Blue

Manic Street Preachers · 2017

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

An expansive blend of shimmering guitars and anthemic melodies that captures the essence of longing and nostalgia.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
International Blue — The title track stands out for its soaring chorus and poignant lyrics that reflect on personal and collective experiences of longing. It encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of identity against a backdrop of melancholic beauty.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track combines strong lyrical imagery with an expansive sound, making it memorable yet not.

What we noticed

The track features a steady build-up with layered guitars that create a lush soundscape, culminating in a soaring chorus.
Lyrically, the song employs vivid imagery and metaphor, reflecting themes of nostalgia and longing throughout its duration.
The arrangement includes dynamic shifts, where verses are more subdued before transitioning into anthemic choruses, enhancing emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marks a significant return after a five-year gap, reinforcing the band's relevance.
Themes: collective longing· identity exploration
Career context: Released as part of their twelfth studio album, International Blue marked a significant moment for Manic Street Preachers, coming five years after their previous work, Rewind the Film. This album showcases a renewed vigor and creative direction as the band explores themes of identity and loss while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Verve· Oasis· Radiohead