Released 10 years ago
Man Machine Poem
The Tragically Hip · 2016
41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A poignant blend of reflective lyrics and expansive soundscapes that captures the fragility of existence and the weight of memory.
Top tracks — play these first
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Man Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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In a World Possessed by the Human Mind — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of consciousness and existential angst, featuring intricate instrumentation that enhances its reflective nature.
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Tired as Fuck — With raw honesty, this track addresses fatigue both physical and emotional, resonating deeply with listeners amid the backdrop of societal pressures.
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Ocean Next — This song stands out for its haunting melody and lyrical imagery, evoking feelings of longing and introspection that permeate throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's reflective lyrics and expansive sound create a poignant farewell, solidifying its emotional weight.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of mid-tempo songs that maintain this introspective mood.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating expansive soundscapes that enhance the lyrical themes of memory and existence.
- The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved emotion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- contemplative exploration of mortality
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- layered instrumentation for deep listening
- thoughtful themes for introspective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — A strong final album that showcases the band's continued creativity and emotional depth.
- Themes
- Canadian identity· memory's weight
- Career context
- Released on June 17, 2016, 'Man Machine Poem' was The Tragically Hip's final studio album before the passing of frontman Gord Downie later that year. At this point in their career, the band had already solidified their legacy as one of Canada's most beloved rock acts, with a discography that spanned over three decades and included numerous chart-topping albums.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Blue Rodeo· The Weakerthans· Gord Downie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Great Soul
The verse shifts perspective to address a collective sense of despair while also celebrating resilience within a community.
By moving from individual to collective experience, the writing highlights shared struggles, creating a powerful connection between the singer and listeners.
Tracklist
- 1 Man Start here 5:16
- 2 In a World Possessed by the Human Mind 3:55
- 3 What Blue 2:46
- 4 In Sarnia 4:37
- 5 Here, in the Dark 4:03
- 6 Great Soul 3:44
- 7 Tired as Fuck 3:45
- 8 Hot Mic 3:55
- 9 Ocean Next 3:57
- 10 Machine 5:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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