Let England Shake
PJ Harvey · 2011
40 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of folk and alternative rock, infused with vivid imagery and stark reflections on war and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Let England Shake Start here — The title track introduces the album's central themes of conflict and identity with striking imagery and a compelling melody that sets the tone for the entire record.
-
→
The Words That Maketh Murder — This track contrasts playful melodies with harrowing lyrics about the realities of war, showcasing Harvey's ability to blend lightness with profound darkness.
-
→
The Glorious Land — With its infectious rhythm and sharp commentary on nationalism, this song exemplifies Harvey's skill in merging social critique with accessible songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique sound and politically charged themes create a strong identity, supported by innovative structures and vivid lyrics.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a steady, march-like rhythm and layered instrumentation, establishing a somber tone.
- Many tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more freeform arrangements.
- The use of vivid imagery in the lyrics is consistent throughout, with several songs featuring repeated phrases that emphasize their themes.
- The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- haunting atmosphere for introspection
- poetic narratives that provoke thought
- consistent flow encourages deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeks upbeat, energetic tracks
- prefers standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Widely acclaimed for its ambitious themes and sound, marking a high point in her career.
- Moods
- Introspective· Dark
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Let England Shake is PJ Harvey's eighth studio album, following the critically acclaimed White Chalk from 2007. The album showcases her artistic evolution, marked by a shift towards more politically charged themes and a unique sonic palette that incorporates elements of traditional English music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent
Tracklist
- 1 Let England Shake Start here 3:09
- 2 The Last Living Rose 2:21
- 3 The Glorious Land 3:34
- 4 The Words That Maketh Murder 3:45
- 5 All and Everyone 5:39
- 6 On Battleship Hill 4:07
- 7 England 3:11
- 8 In the Dark Places 2:59
- 9 Bitter Branches 2:29
- 10 Hanging in the Wire 2:42
- 11 Written on the Forehead 3:39
- 12 The Colour of the Earth 2:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.