Lost in the Dream
The War on Drugs · 2014
60 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling blend of atmospheric rock and introspective lyrics, enveloping listeners in a dreamy sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Under the Pressure — The album opener features a hypnotic rhythmic pulse paired with layered instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire record’s exploration of anxiety and introspection.
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Red Eyes — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, juxtaposing vibrant melodies with poignant lyrics about disconnection and searching for clarity amid chaos.
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An Ocean in Between the Waves — A standout moment that showcases emotional depth, this song builds dynamically to convey a sense of yearning, encapsulating the struggle between hope and despair.
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Eyes to the Wind — With its reflective tone and lush arrangement, this track delves into themes of vulnerability, highlighting the band's ability to blend personal narrative with expansive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric rock with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet expansive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Under the Pressure' that sets a consistent mid-tempo pace for the first half.
- Tracks like 'An Ocean in Between the Waves' feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a sense of expansiveness.
- Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric exploration before returning to lyrical content.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- yearning nostalgia in soundscapes
- introspective moments for reflection
- for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 18, 2014, Lost in the Dream marked The War on Drugs' third studio album and their first since achieving significant critical acclaim with Slave Ambient in 2011. This album solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene and showcased an evolution in sound, characterized by expansive instrumentation and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kurt Vile· Real Estate· The National
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Under the Pressure 8:52
- 2 Red Eyes 4:58
- 3 Suffering 6:02
- 4 An Ocean in Between the Waves 7:11
- 5 Disappearing 6:51
- 6 Eyes to the Wind 5:55
- 7 The Haunting Idle 3:07
- 8 Burning 5:48
- 9 Lost in the Dream 4:09
- 10 In Reverse 7:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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