Missiles
The Dears · 2008
58 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A sweeping blend of orchestral arrangements and melancholic indie rock that captures the complexities of love and loss.
Top tracks — play these first
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Berlin Heart — This track showcases the band's ability to weave lush instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating the overarching themes of longing and emotional conflict.
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Demons — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song exemplifies the darker tones present throughout the album while highlighting the band's lyrical prowess.
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Saviour — The lengthy composition builds an emotional crescendo, ultimately serving as a cathartic release that reflects the album's exploration of despair and hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features layered orchestral arrangements and emotional depth, making it a solid entry in indie rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Disclaimer', layering strings and vocals that set a melancholic tone.
- Tracks like 'Crisis 1 & 2' feature dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet introspection and orchestral crescendos.
- Several songs incorporate complex arrangements, with multiple instrumental layers that create a rich soundscape.
- The final track, 'Saviour', concludes with an extended instrumental outro, allowing the themes to linger.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- gradual build to emotional climax
- intimate vocals for reflective moments
- lush orchestration for cinematic experience
- late-night solitude with depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Missiles' was released in 2008, The Dears had established themselves in the indie rock scene following their critically acclaimed album 'No Cities Left' in 2003. This album marked their return after a five-year gap, during which they faced lineup changes and personal struggles, bringing a renewed sense of urgency and introspection to their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Arcade Fire· Death Cab for Cutie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Dream Job
The moment shifts from reflection on societal expectations to a raw admission of personal desires and regrets.
This transition from external pressures to intimate revelations creates a powerful contrast that underlines both vulnerability and authenticity in the songwriting.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Disclaimer 6:44
- 2 Dream Job 4:32
- 3 Money Babies 4:17
- 4 Berlin Heart 4:26
- 5 Lights Off 8:02
- 6 Crisis 1 & 2 3:43
- 7 Demons 5:00
- 8 Missiles 5:01
- 9 Meltdown in A Major 5:09
- 10 Saviour 11:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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