Top tracks — play these first
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Numb Start here — This track opens the album with a stark portrayal of emotional detachment, setting the tone for the exploration of vulnerability throughout 'Monsters'. Its minimalist arrangement allows Odell's poignant vocal delivery to shine.
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Tears That Never Dry — In this song, Odell confronts the pain of unprocessed grief, using rich imagery to evoke a sense of longing that permeates the entire album. The powerful chorus serves as an emotional climax.
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Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark — As the album's closing track, it offers a message of hope amidst despair, encapsulating the overarching theme of resilience. The extended length allows for a gradual buildup that leaves a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with varied tempos, creating an engaging yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo track, gradually introducing more upbeat elements in the middle before returning to a reflective tone in the final tracks.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses, creating an emotional crescendo.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, which are complemented by sparse piano arrangements that allow the vocals to take center stage.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wave-like emotional fluctuations
- raw vulnerability in every track
- short bursts of poignant reflection
- late-night introspection with friends
- cathartic moments of shared sorrow
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album showcases emotional depth and received notable critical acclaim.
- Themes
- unprocessed grief· emotional detachment· resilience in darkness
- Career context
- Released on July 9, 2021, 'Monsters' is Tom Odell's third studio album, following his 2018 release 'Jubilee Road'. At this point in his career, Odell had established himself as a prominent figure in the indie pop scene, known for his emotive songwriting and piano-driven sound. The album reflects a maturation in his artistry, addressing personal themes of loss and resilience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hozier· Lewis Capaldi· James Bay
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Tears That Never Dry
The bridge shifts from reflective memories to an urgent plea for connection amidst ongoing sorrow.
This moment showcases a transition from passive reflection to active yearning, emphasizing the struggle between memory and the desire for healing.
Tracklist
- 1 Numb Start here 2:34
- 2 Over You Yet 3:38
- 3 Noise 1:38
- 4 Money 2:57
- 5 Tears That Never Dry 3:26
- 6 Monster, Vol. 2 2:20
- 7 Lockdown 1:56
- 8 Lose You Again 3:16
- 9 Fighting Fire With Fire 2:40
- 10 Problems 0:40
- 11 Me and My Friends 2:34
- 12 Country Star 1:36
- 13 By This Time Tomorrow 2:45
- 14 Streets of Heaven 3:01
- 15 Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark 6:07
- 16 Monster, Vol. 1 2:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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