What makes MCID by Highly Suspect notable?

MCID received significant attention for its bold approach and was praised by critics for its exploration of identity and mental health issues. The album reached the Billboard charts, further solidifying Highly Suspect's place in the alternative rock scene. Its willingness to tackle controversial subjects helped influence discussions around authenticity in music. When Highly Suspect released MCID in November 2019, they were building on the momentum of their 2016 breakthrough album, Mister Asylum. This third studio effort showcased a more experimental sound and deeper lyrical themes, marking a shift towards personal and cultural commentary as the band sought to expand their artistic boundaries.

MCID works well if you're into introspective late-night reflections, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on MCID?

MCID has 16 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

MCID

Highly Suspect · 2019

58 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

An eclectic mix of alternative rock infused with electronic textures and introspective lyrics that challenge societal norms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fly — This opening track sets an introspective tone with its atmospheric soundscape and poignant lyrics about personal struggles, effectively encapsulating the album's thematic core.
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16 — The song combines a catchy melody with darkly reflective lyrics that address nostalgia and disillusionment, highlighting the band's knack for balancing accessibility with depth.
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Tokyo Ghoul — This track stands out for its raw energy and vivid storytelling, drawing parallels between personal turmoil and broader societal issues through its dynamic instrumentation.

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

The album blends energetic rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong production and varied dynamics.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Fly', followed by a series of songs that alternate between aggressive instrumentation and softer, introspective moments.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and electronic elements, creating a dynamic soundscape that shifts throughout the record.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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 late-night reflections
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
varied pacing and moods

Where this album fits

Career context: When Highly Suspect released MCID in November 2019, they were building on the momentum of their 2016 breakthrough album, Mister Asylum. This third studio effort showcased a more experimental sound and deeper lyrical themes, marking a shift towards personal and cultural commentary as the band sought to expand their artistic boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Royal Blood· Nothing but Thieves· Bad Wolves