Released 23 years ago this October
Make the Clocks Move
Kevin Devine · 2003
52 min · 16 tracks · indie rock
A raw blend of introspective lyrics and melodic indie rock that captures the essence of early 2000s alternative music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wolf's Mouth — This track stands out with its dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive choruses, encapsulating the album's emotional core.
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Noose Dressed Like a Necklace — The song features poignant imagery and clever wordplay, reflecting Devine’s knack for blending humor with darker themes.
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People Are So Fickle — Its catchy hooks paired with biting lyrics create a compelling commentary on human relationships, revealing Devine's sharp observational style.
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Marie — This track showcases Devine’s storytelling ability, using personal narrative to explore themes of loss and longing in a heartfelt manner.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and melodic structures but lacks a fully cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Lyrically, the album employs vivid imagery and personal storytelling, with several songs featuring repeated phrases that enhance their emotional weight.
- The instrumentation often includes layered guitar melodies and dynamic shifts, with some tracks building to climactic moments before tapering off.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- introspective reflections on identity
- cathartic moments of vulnerability
- late-night solitude with emotion
- engaging storytelling through melodies
- varied pacing with thoughtful transitions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Make the Clocks Move was Kevin Devine's second studio album, following his debut, Circle Gets the Square. At this point in his career, Devine was establishing himself within the indie rock scene, building on the critical acclaim of his first release while further honing his songwriting skills.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· Modest Mouse· The Front Bottoms
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Ballgame 5:09
- 2 Wolf's Mouth 3:19
- 3 Noose Dressed Like a Necklace 4:03
- 4 Not Over You Yet 2:05
- 5 A Flatline Blur 3:42
- 6 Wrestling Dixie 2:53
- 7 People Are So Fickle 3:14
- 8 Marie 4:01
Disc 2
- 1 Country Side Glow 4:00
- 2 Longer That I'm Out Here 3:53
- 3 Tapdance 3:56
- 4 You're My Incentive 2:56
- 5 Splitting Up Christmas 3:26
- 6 Thanks 5:38
- 7 Funerals and Carnivals (Demo)
- 8 You Knock Me Out (Demo)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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