Magnetized cover

Magnetized

Johnny Hates Jazz · 2013

46 min · 10 tracks · new wave

Ethereal melodies intertwine with lush synths and reflective lyrics, creating a modern take on new wave pop rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Magnetized — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of longing and connection, showcasing the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.
  • →
    Man With No Name — This track stands out for its cinematic feel, combining haunting melodies with poignant storytelling that evokes a sense of mystery and nostalgia.
  • →
    Goodbye Sweet Yesterday — A reflective ballad that represents the band's lyrical depth, examining themes of loss and remembrance with a poignant simplicity that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends nostalgic elements with modern production, resulting in a solid but not return.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered synths and a steady beat, establishing a modern sound that contrasts with the band's earlier work.
  • Several tracks incorporate vocal harmonies that echo the classic new wave style while integrating contemporary production techniques.
  • The running time is consistent across all tracks, maintaining a mid-tempo pace that allows for reflective lyrics to be fully explored.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • nostalgic reflections on past love
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • uplifting soundtracks for road trips
  • balanced pacing for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification tracks
  • seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2013, Magnetized is Johnny Hates Jazz's first album in over two decades, following their 1991 release Tall Stories. The band had undergone significant lineup changes and returned to the music scene with a matured sound that reflects both their legacy and contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors
ABC· Spandau Ballet· Duran Duran

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Magnetized 3:55
  • 2 Man With No Name 4:00
  • 3 The Road Not Taken 4:59
  • 4 You Belong to You 4:27
  • 5 Release You 5:40
  • 6 Nevermore 4:23
  • 7 Ghost of Love 5:06
  • 8 Lighthouse 4:57
  • 9 Goodbye Sweet Yesterday 4:37
  • 10 Eternal 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata