Loyalty to Loyalty
Cold War Kids · 2008
46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of gritty instrumentation and introspective lyrics that captures a restless search for authenticity in modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Something Is Not Right With Me — This track showcases a raw vulnerability with its infectious chorus and confessional verses, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of disillusionment and introspection.
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Welcome to the Occupation — With its politically charged lyrics and driving rhythm, this song serves as a commentary on social issues, reflecting the band's engagement with contemporary events during a tumultuous era.
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Every Man I Fall For — The haunting melody and poignant storytelling highlight romantic vulnerability, making it a standout moment that resonates deeply within the context of personal relationships explored throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases varied tempos and introspective lyrics but lacks the immediate impact of its predecessor.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and extended instrumental sections.
- Lyrically, the album frequently employs metaphor and imagery, creating a sense of introspection that complements the instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- poignant storytelling through music
- melodic experimentation with grit
- thoughtful listening during commutes
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Explores deeper themes post-breakthrough, but less immediate than its predecessor.
- Career context
- Released as the follow-up to their breakthrough album, 'Robbers & Cowards', 'Loyalty to Loyalty' found Cold War Kids navigating the pressures of fame while exploring deeper lyrical themes. At this point, the band had solidified their sound, characterized by a mix of indie rock and soul influences, and were striving to expand their artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Band of Horses· The National· Modest Mouse
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Against Privacy 3:45
- 2 Mexican Dogs 3:36
- 3 Every Valley Is Not a Lake 3:38
- 4 Something Is Not Right With Me 2:22
- 5 Welcome to the Occupation 3:21
- 6 Golden Gate Jumpers 3:12
- 7 Avalanche in B 3:46
- 8 I've Seen Enough 2:58
- 9 Every Man I Fall For 4:08
- 10 Dreams Old Men Dream 4:16
- 11 On the Night My Love Broke Through 4:36
- 12 Relief 3:02
- 13 Cryptomnesia 4:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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