Joy 1967–1990
Ultra Vivid Scene · 1990
42 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of shimmering guitars and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of early '90s indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Staring at the Sun — This track features a driving beat paired with lush instrumentation, making it a standout example of the band’s ability to blend energy with introspection.
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Poison — With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, this song encapsulates the emotional depth present throughout the album while showcasing the band's lyrical sophistication.
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Extra Ordinary — The song's catchy chorus and layered guitar work exemplify Ultra Vivid Scene's knack for creating memorable pop-inflected rock tunes that resonate deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends melodic elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacks strong cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize layered guitar textures that create a lush soundscape, particularly evident in 'Staring at the Sun' and 'Grey Turns White'.
- The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal experiences and emotions, which is prominent in tracks like 'Poison' and 'Praise the Low'.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It Happens Every Time 3:18
- 2 Staring at the Sun 2:49
- 3 Three Stars 3:21
- 4 Special One 3:15
- 5 Grey Turns White 3:20
- 6 Poison 3:42
- 7 Guilty Pleasure 3:29
- 8 Extra Ordinary 3:53
- 9 Beauty #2 3:59
- 10 The Kindest Cut 3:11
- 11 Praise the Low 3:21
- 12 Lightning 4:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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