Journey Through the Shadows cover

Journey Through the Shadows

The Parlotones · 2012

38 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of indie rock melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of self-discovery and emotional honesty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Soul and Body — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant exploration of vulnerability and connection, embodying the album’s introspective nature.
  • →
    Goodbyes — The emotional weight of this song is palpable, addressing themes of loss and farewell with a memorable chorus that lingers long after listening.
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    We Just Wanna Be Loved — This upbeat anthem captures the universal desire for acceptance and love, balancing energetic instrumentation with relatable lyrics.
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    I am Alive — With its uplifting message, this track serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and self-empowerment, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album combines solid songwriting with emotional themes but lacks standout tracks to elevate it further.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses, enhancing emotional delivery.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • youthful exploration and discovery
  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • reflective moments of introspection
  • sing-along friendly choruses
  • for afternoon road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, sprawling compositions
  • seek immediate emotional intensity

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2012, The Parlotones were building on their previous successes, following their 2010 album 'Joe Public'. This release marked a time when they sought to expand their sound while maintaining their core indie rock identity, showcasing growth in both songwriting and production quality.
Stylistic neighbors
Coldplay· Keane· The Fray

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Freakshow 1:34
  • 2 Soul and Body 3:17
  • 3 Brave and Wild 3:19
  • 4 Save your Best Bits 3:00
  • 5 Goodbyes 4:02
  • 6 Sweet as a Stolen Kiss 3:50
  • 7 Honey Spiders 3:39
  • 8 We Just Wanna Be Loved 2:50
  • 9 Down by the Lake 2:57
  • 10 I am Alive 4:00
  • 11 Sing you to Sleep 2:56
  • 12 Suitcase for a Home 3:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata