Top tracks — play these first
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Houdini and the Girl — This track stands out with its vivid narrative about illusion and longing, showcasing McRae’s lyrical prowess through visual storytelling.
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The Ballad of Amelia Earhart — This song combines historical reference with personal introspection, illustrating McRae’s ability to weave broader themes into intimate songwriting.
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Sound of the City — An evocative exploration of urban life, this track captures the essence of modernity while maintaining a rich melodic structure typical of McRae's style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with varied tempos but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, more reflective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements the lyrical themes.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling techniques, with recurring motifs of urban life and personal introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
- introspective reflections on life
- poignant storytelling through melodies
- late-night solitude with emotions
- narrative threads of longing
- delicate balance of regret
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'King of Cards' was released in 2007, Tom McRae was transitioning from his critically acclaimed debut album to solidify his presence in the UK music scene. This third studio effort followed the less commercially successful 'Just Like Blood' (2003) and aimed to re-establish his artistic voice after a period of reflection and exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Gray· Damien Rice· Fink
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Set the Story Straight 5:17
- 2 Bright Lights 3:34
- 3 Got a Suitcase, Got Regrets 3:41
- 4 Keep Your Picture Clear 3:58
- 5 Houdini and the Girl 3:03
- 6 Sound of the City 4:15
- 7 On and On 4:06
- 8 Deliver Me 4:02
- 9 One Mississippi 4:12
- 10 The Ballad of Amelia Earhart 3:23
- 11 Lord, How Long? 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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