Love Is Dead cover

Love Is Dead

Chvrches · 2018

49 min · 13 tracks · synth-pop

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and indietronica, layered with emotional depth and infectious hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Graffiti Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Get Out — This lead single encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending an upbeat tempo with lyrics that confront toxic relationships. Its catchy chorus made it a standout track that draws listeners into the album's introspective narrative.
  • →
    My Enemy — Featuring a collaboration with The National's Matt Berninger, this track explores themes of betrayal and conflict through its haunting melodies, showcasing the band's ability to fuse vulnerability with powerful instrumentation.
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    Miracle — With its pulsating beat and uplifting melody, Miracle serves as an anthem for resilience amidst despair. The contrast between joyous sound and somber lyrics highlights the album's duality.
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    Graves — Addressing mortality and existential angst, Graves stands out for its darker tone and introspective lyrics, marking a significant thematic shift for the band while maintaining their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong production and catchy hooks but lacks the depth to stand out significantly over time.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Graffiti', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing slower songs in the latter half.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Get Out' and 'My Enemy'.
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
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — The album features ambitious production and emotional depth, marking a significant artistic evolution.
Themes
toxic relationships· political disillusionment· resilience amidst despair
Career context
Released on May 25, 2018, Love Is Dead marks Chvrches' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Every Open Eye from 2015. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in sound by incorporating more live instrumentation and addressing themes of disillusionment in a politically charged landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Muna· Grimes· Purity Ring

Tracklist

  • 1 Graffiti Start here 3:38
  • 2 Get Out 3:51
  • 3 Deliverance 4:12
  • 4 My Enemy 3:53
  • 5 Forever 3:44
  • 6 Never Say Die 4:23
  • 7 Miracle 3:08
  • 8 Graves 4:43
  • 9 Heaven/Hell 5:05
  • 10 God’s Plan 3:31
  • 11 Really Gone 3:11
  • 12 ii 1:09
  • 13 Wonderland 4:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata