Modern Burdens cover

Modern Burdens

Tracy Bonham · 2017

47 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation that captures the complexities of modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Mother Mother — This track opens the album with a captivating melody and poignant lyrics about familial relationships, showcasing Bonham's knack for blending personal narratives with catchy hooks.
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    Navy Bean — With its intricate arrangements and reflective themes, this song exemplifies Bonham's growth as a songwriter, offering listeners a glimpse into her evolving musical landscape.
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    One Hit Wonder — This track cleverly addresses the pressures of fame and expectation while maintaining an upbeat rhythm, making it both thought-provoking and accessible.
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    Kisses — Marked by haunting melodies and layered vocals, this song stands out for its emotional depth, capturing the vulnerability often present in Bonham's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid writing and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • Lyrically, the album explores themes of modern life with a focus on personal experiences, often using metaphorical language.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • dynamic energy for active listening
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek uniform, consistent pacing

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2017, Tracy Bonham was returning with 'Modern Burdens' as her first album in 12 years, following her 2005 release 'Blink.' This album marked her re-entry into the music scene after a significant hiatus, during which she explored various musical styles and personal growth.
Stylistic neighbors
Liz Phair· Fiona Apple· Anya Marina

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mother Mother 3:17
  • 2 Navy Bean 4:26
  • 3 Tell It to the Sky 4:33
  • 4 Kisses 2:51
  • 5 Brain Crack 3:25
  • 6 The One 4:59
  • 7 One Hit Wonder 3:40
  • 8 Sharks Can't Sleep 5:11
  • 9 Bulldog 2:58
  • 10 Every Breath 1:48
  • 11 30 Seconds 3:16
  • 12 The Real 3:22
  • 13 Free 3:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata