What makes Measure by Matt Pond PA notable?

Measure received critical acclaim upon its release, with several tracks gaining airplay on college radio stations. Its introspective nature resonated with listeners during a time when indie rock was gaining mainstream traction, influencing a wave of similar artists in the early 2000s. At the turn of the millennium, Matt Pond PA released Measure as their third studio album, following the more eclectic sound of their previous work. This record marked a significant moment in their evolution, showcasing a shift towards a more cohesive indie rock sound while maintaining the lyrical depth that defined their earlier efforts.

Measure works well if you're into serene moments for quiet reflection, introspective melodies for deep thinking and short tracks for focused listening.

How many songs are on Measure?

Measure has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Measure

Matt Pond PA · 2000

34 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A delicate blend of introspective lyrics and melodic instrumentation that evokes both nostalgia and bittersweet contemplation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Hollows — This track encapsulates the album’s melancholic yet hopeful tone, featuring poignant lyrics that reflect on personal loss within a lush musical landscape.
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Green Grass — A standout for its haunting melodies and vivid imagery, this song explores themes of renewal and regret, making it emblematic of the album's emotional depth.
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Competition — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics, this track critiques societal norms around success and achievement, resonating with listeners navigating early adulthood.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album balances introspective lyrics with melodic instrumentation, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half introduces more subdued arrangements and reflective themes.
Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and soft percussion complementing the melodic guitar lines.
The album includes recurring motifs in both lyrics and musical phrases, creating a sense of continuity across its tracks.

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

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

serene moments for quiet reflection
introspective melodies for deep thinking
short tracks for focused listening
gentle pacing for evening unwind

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer lengthy, expansive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked a significant moment in their evolution and gained critical acclaim.
Career context: At the turn of the millennium, Matt Pond PA released Measure as their third studio album, following the more eclectic sound of their previous work. This record marked a significant moment in their evolution, showcasing a shift towards a more cohesive indie rock sound while maintaining the lyrical depth that defined their earlier efforts.
Stylistic neighbors: The Paper Kites· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens