Manners cover

Manners

Passion Pit · 2009

56 min · 14 tracks · synth-pop

An explosion of bright synths and catchy hooks that intertwine pop exuberance with introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Little Secrets — This track features infectious melodies and a driving beat, encapsulating the album's vibrant atmosphere while exploring themes of joy and anxiety.
  • →
    Sleepyhead — As one of the standout singles, it combines airy vocals with a pulsating rhythm, making it an anthem of youthful exuberance and introspection.
  • →
    The Reeling — This song presents a dynamic blend of layered harmonies and catchy hooks, effectively illustrating the contrast between light-hearted sound and deeper emotional undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Manners combines energetic synth-pop with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong production and memorable hooks.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving beats and layered synths, while the second half introduces more introspective melodies and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks employ a call-and-response vocal style, creating a dynamic interplay between lead and backing vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • playful yet poignant vibes
  • reflective moments amidst energy
  • dynamic flow with bright melodies
  • for upbeat introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike reflective listening experiences
  • prefer immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Manners was Passion Pit's debut studio album, released following their critically acclaimed EP, Chunk of Change. The album marked a significant milestone in the band's career as they transitioned from an indie project to mainstream recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
MGMT· Empire of the Sun· Foster the People

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Make Light 4:56
  • 2 Little Secrets 3:58
  • 3 Moth’s Wings 4:16
  • 4 The Reeling 4:47
  • 5 Eyes as Candles 4:03
  • 6 Swimming in the Flood 4:58
  • 7 Folds in Your Hands 3:38
  • 8 To Kingdom Come 4:07
  • 9 Sleepyhead 2:54
  • 10 Let Your Love Grow Tall 3:32
  • 11 Seaweed Song 4:27
  • 12 Sleepyhead (Stripped Down version) 2:30
  • 13 Moth’s Wings (Stripped Down version) 4:05
  • 14 Dreams 4:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata