What makes Mercy by Planes Mistaken for Stars notable?

Mercy received positive critical reception, noted for its exploration of darker themes and complex song structures, which further established the band's cult following. The album's impact is evident as it influenced subsequent punk and post-hardcore bands seeking to blend raw emotion with intricate instrumentation. Released in 2006, Mercy marked Planes Mistaken for Stars' third studio album, following the critically acclaimed Up in Them Guts from 2003. By this point, the band had solidified their position within the post-hardcore scene, gaining recognition for their intense live performances and distinctive sound that blended punk with more melodic elements.

How many songs are on Mercy?

Mercy has 11 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Mercy

Planes Mistaken for Stars · 2006

38 min · 11 tracks · punk rock

Raw, emotionally charged punk rock collides with introspective lyrics and a gritty musical landscape that demands attention.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Widow: A Love Song — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, combining haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about loss and longing, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Killed by Killers Who Kill Each Other — The energetic instrumentation paired with its biting commentary on violence creates a standout moment that reflects both personal and societal struggles.
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Mercy — As the title track, it delves into themes of vulnerability and redemption, featuring a compelling mix of melody and aggression that defines the band's sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw energy with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong songwriting and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective arrangements.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
Lyrics often reflect personal struggles and darker themes, creating a sense of urgency and vulnerability throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Keep Your Teeth

A shift occurs in the narrative where the singer confronts their past decisions directly, revealing layers of regret and resilience.

This direct confrontation contrasts with earlier verses that maintain a more abstract tone, illustrating a pivotal moment of self-reflection.

Tracklist

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

1 One Fucked Pony 4:11
2 Crooked Mile 3:03
3 Widow: A Love Song 2:06
4 Keep Your Teeth 4:47
5 To Spit a Sparrow 2:50
6 Never Felt Prettier 2:46
7 Killed by Killers Who Kill Each Other 3:26
8 Little Death 3:22
9 Church Date 3:44
10 Mercy 4:34
11 Penitence 3:35

What to play next

Listen next

Prey

2016

Go back to

Up in Them Guts

2004

Full Planes Mistaken for Stars discography Artists like Planes Mistaken for Stars

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata