Modern Art
Matthew Sweet · 2011
52 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant collection of power pop melodies infused with introspective lyrics and jangly guitar riffs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh, Oldendaze! Start here — This track opens the album with a nostalgic reflection on the passage of time, setting a thematic tone that resonates throughout the record.
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She Walks the Night — With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, this song captures Sweet's ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with catchy hooks.
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Modern Art — The title track serves as a poignant commentary on contemporary life and creativity, encapsulating the album's exploration of personal and artistic identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses.
- The track 'When Love Lets Go I'm Falling' features a notable key change that adds emotional weight to its conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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 pacing for focused listening
- introspective themes for personal reflection
- vibrant melodies for uplifting moments
- consistent flow for seamless enjoyment
- for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and craftsmanship in the power pop genre.
- Career context
- By the time 'Modern Art' was released in 2011, Matthew Sweet had already established himself as a prominent figure in alternative rock, with several successful albums under his belt, including the acclaimed 'Girlfriend' from 1991. This album marked his first release after a five-year hiatus, showcasing both a return to form and an evolution in his songwriting approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Juliana Hatfield· The Posies· Teenage Fanclub
Tracklist
- 1 Oh, Oldendaze! Start here 4:28
- 2 Ivory Tower 2:29
- 3 She Walks the Night 4:59
- 4 When Love Lets Go I'm Falling 3:19
- 5 Ladyfingers 3:13
- 6 A Little Death 3:24
- 7 Late Nights With the Power Pop 3:30
- 8 Baltimore 2:51
- 9 My Ass Is Grass 2:31
- 10 December Dark 3:20
- 11 Modern Art 4:27
- 12 Sleeping 3:30
- 13 To Be Continued 3:34
- 14 Blue in Tangerine 3:23
- 15 Open Heart 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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