Louis XIV cover

Louis XIV

Louis XIV · 2003

31 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Glamorous yet gritty, this album blends theatrical rock with sharp lyrical wit and a vintage aesthetic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    God Killed the Queen — This track encapsulates the album's edgy charm, featuring sharp commentary on fame and societal expectations wrapped in an infectious melody.
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    The Hall of Mirrors — A standout moment on the album, it showcases the band's lyrical depth while merging introspection with a captivating groove.
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    It's the Girl That Makes Him Happy — This track cleverly contrasts joy and melancholy, revealing the band's ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines catchy hooks with theatrical elements, establishing a distinctive sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature dual vocal lines that create a call-and-response dynamic, enhancing the theatricality of the performance.
  • The album's lyrical content often employs sharp wit and irony, particularly evident in tracks like 'God Killed the Queen' which critiques societal norms.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Ghost of the Chapel Royal

    The narrative shifts from historical reflection to personal anguish, highlighting a profound sense of loss amidst regal imagery.

    This juxtaposition enhances the emotional weight by grounding grand themes in intimate experiences, showcasing the band’s storytelling prowess.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 New Murder at the Old Chateau 0:50
  • 2 Louis XIV 2:41
  • 3 The Grand Apartment 4:28
  • 4 The Hunt 3:00
  • 5 The Hall of Mirrors 2:08
  • 6 It's the Girl That Makes Him Happy 3:03
  • 7 It's the Girl That Makes Him Sad 1:44
  • 8 The Accident 3:35
  • 9 The Ghost of the Chapel Royal 3:50
  • 10 God Killed the Queen 3:13
  • 11 Louis Reprise 2:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata