Top tracks — play these first
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Disparate Youth — This track epitomizes the album's blend of infectious energy and introspective lyrics, addressing themes of resilience and self-empowerment against societal challenges.
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God From the Machine — Drawing on a mix of electronic beats and reggae influences, this song critiques modern society's disconnection while showcasing Santigold's distinctive sound.
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The Keepers — With its introspective lyrics and compelling melody, this track reflects on personal identity and societal pressures, encapsulating the album’s overarching themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Santigold's sophomore effort blends genres and social themes, showcasing strong production and distinctive sound.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a driving beat and layered vocals, setting an energetic tone that persists through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Fame' transitioning from a laid-back groove to a more frenetic pace.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and social commentary, particularly in tracks like 'The Riot's Gone' and 'Disparate Youth'.
- The album closes with 'Big Mouth', which features a minimalist arrangement that contrasts with the earlier, more complex productions.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo dance energy
- kaleidoscopic sound explorations
- vibrant party atmosphere
- sing-along moments with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released as Santigold's sophomore album, Master of My Make-Believe followed her critically acclaimed debut in 2008. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her identity as an innovative voice in pop music, exploring deeper themes and diverse musical influences after a four-year hiatus.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Riot's Gone
In a pivotal moment, the song shifts from upbeat instrumentals to a somber reflection on loss and resilience.
This contrast creates a powerful emotional depth that underscores the struggle between hope and despair within the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Go! 3:23
- 2 Disparate Youth 4:44
- 3 God From the Machine 3:51
- 4 Fame 3:28
- 5 Freak Like Me 2:17
- 6 This Isn't Our Parade 3:53
- 7 The Riot's Gone 3:29
- 8 Pirate in the Water 2:53
- 9 The Keepers 3:32
- 10 Look at These Hoes 2:57
- 11 Big Mouth 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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