Released 10 years ago
Lighter in the Dark
Sister Hazel · 2016
50 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
Lighter in the Dark blends heartfelt melodies with reflective lyrics, creating an uplifting yet introspective listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Something to Believe In — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of longing and hope, encapsulating the album's emotional core through its relatable storytelling.
-
→
Kiss Me Without Whiskey — With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, this song highlights the band's ability to blend humor with deeper themes, making it both memorable and engaging.
-
→
Fall Off the Map — Opening the album, this track sets a reflective tone that invites listeners into the journey of self-discovery and vulnerability that follows.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
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 in intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and introspection, with recurring themes of hope and resilience throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- nostalgic warmth for quiet introspection
- sing-along choruses with friends
- heartfelt lyrics for emotional connection
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued evolution and resonates with listeners seeking solace.
- Career context
- By the release of Lighter in the Dark, Sister Hazel was navigating their second decade as a band. This album marked their first studio release since 2010's Release and showcased a continued evolution in their sound while retaining their signature alternative rock style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Better Than Ezra· Goo Goo Dolls· Counting Crows
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fall Off the Map 4:02
- 2 That Kind of Beautiful 3:05
- 3 Karaoke Song 3:32
- 4 Something to Believe In 4:05
- 5 Kiss Me Without Whiskey 3:17
- 6 Almost Broken 3:28
- 7 Take It With Me 3:21
- 8 We Got It All Tonight 3:10
- 9 Danger Is Real 3:03
- 10 Prettiest Girl at the Dance 3:50
- 11 Thoroughbred Heart 3:51
- 12 Run Highway Run 3:20
- 13 Back to Me 3:17
- 14 Ten Candle Days 5:16
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.