Marks to Prove It
The Maccabees · 2015
61 min · 17 tracks · indie rock
Bright melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, encapsulating a sense of longing and reflection within an indie rock framework.
Top tracks — play these first
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Marks to Prove It — The title track opens the album with its driving rhythm and earnest lyrics, setting the tone for themes of self-discovery and ambition that resonate throughout the record.
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Spit It Out — This track stands out for its infectious energy and vivid imagery, portraying a struggle with communication and clarity amidst emotional turmoil.
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River Song — Blending melancholy with hope, this song features intricate guitar work and reflective lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks a cohesive narrative across its length.
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 layered guitar melodies that create a rich, textured sound, particularly evident in 'Kamakura' and 'River Song'.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and longing, with many songs featuring repeated phrases that enhance their emotional resonance.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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 life
- bright melodies for afternoon drives
- longing themes woven throughout tracks
- gentle pacing for contemplative moments
- earworm choruses for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Marks to Prove It is The Maccabees' fourth studio album, released in 2015 after a four-year hiatus following their critically acclaimed record Given to the Wild. At this point, the band sought to refine their sound while addressing themes of personal growth and identity, marking a significant moment in their career as they navigated changing musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bombay Bicycle Club· Foals· The Vaccines
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Marks to Prove It 4:13
- 2 Kamakura 3:59
- 3 Ribbon Road 4:23
- 4 Spit It Out 5:09
- 5 Silence 3:19
- 6 River Song 3:10
- 7 Slow Sun 4:12
- 8 Something Like Happiness 3:43
- 9 WWI Portraits 3:18
- 10 Pioneering Systems 2:30
- 11 Dawn Chorus 3:18
Disc 2
- 1 Toothpaste Kisses 2:39
- 2 Precious Time 4:17
- 3 Love You Better 3:20
- 4 No Kind Words 2:55
- 5 Pelican 3:44
- 6 Feel to Follow 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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