Little Machines
Lights · 2014
38 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Bright synths and infectious hooks blend with introspective lyrics, creating an uplifting electropop journey through personal growth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Portal Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Up We Go — This upbeat anthem captures the essence of resilience and positivity, becoming emblematic of the album's themes of personal empowerment and growth.
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Running With the Boys — The track's nostalgic vibe and catchy chorus evoke feelings of carefree youth, making it relatable and memorable within the album's context.
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Oil and Water — This song explores complex emotional dynamics through its metaphorical lyrics, showcasing Lights' ability to blend deep themes with pop sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic pop with introspective themes, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics, particularly in 'Oil and Water' and 'Slow Down'.
- The album closes with a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing for a softer resolution with 'Don’t Go Home Without Me' feeling like an exhale after the preceding energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo uplifting vibes
- for a sunny drive
- introspective moments with friends
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy dance tracks
- seek lengthy experimental pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established wider recognition with a commercial hit and Juno Award win.
- Career context
- Released in early 2014, Little Machines is Lights' third studio album, following the critical success of Siberia in 2011. At this point, she was solidifying her place in the pop landscape while exploring a more polished and cohesive sound, reflecting her evolution as an artist.
Tracklist
- 1 Portal Start here 4:29
- 2 Running With the Boys 4:13
- 3 Up We Go 2:52
- 4 Same Sea 3:29
- 5 Speeding 3:27
- 6 Muscle Memory 3:38
- 7 Oil and Water 3:13
- 8 Slow Down 3:24
- 9 Meteorites 3:22
- 10 How We Do It 3:05
- 11 Don’t Go Home Without Me 3:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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