Monuments to an Elegy
The Smashing Pumpkins · 2014
32 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of nostalgic melodies and modern production, merging the band's classic alt-rock sound with fresh electronic elements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tiberius Start here — Opening the album, Tiberius sets a reflective tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics that explore themes of change and identity.
-
→
Being Beige — This track captures a sense of melancholy wrapped in lush instrumentation, highlighting Corgan's knack for blending vulnerability with grandeur.
-
→
Anti‐Hero — Anti-Hero stands out for its catchy chorus and candid exploration of self-doubt, illustrating the album's underlying themes of personal conflict.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic alt-rock with modern production but lacks strong cohesion and memorable hooks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a punchy track that features layered guitars and synths, establishing a modern yet nostalgic sound.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as programmed beats and synth textures, which contrast with the band's traditional rock instrumentation.
- The pacing varies, with mid-tempo songs dominating the first half before shifting to more introspective pieces in the latter half.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- melodic introspection for quiet times
- short sessions with cohesive flow
- atmospheric soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and fast-paced
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows the band's continued vitality after reuniting key members.
- Themes
- nostalgic melodies· personal conflict· reflections on change
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2014, Monuments to an Elegy marked The Smashing Pumpkins' eighth studio album and their first since reuniting original members Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. This album came after a period of experimentation and lineup changes, reflecting a return to a more cohesive sound while incorporating contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alice in Chains· Soundgarden· Radiohead
Tracklist
- 1 Tiberius Start here 3:03
- 2 Being Beige 3:40
- 3 Anaise! 3:34
- 4 One and All (We Are) 3:45
- 5 Run2Me 4:09
- 6 Drum + Fife 3:54
- 7 Monuments 3:31
- 8 Dorian 3:46
- 9 Anti‐Hero 3:20
What to play next
Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun.
2018
Continues the modern production while exploring fresh themes and sounds.
Oceania
2012
Sets the stage with a similar blend of alt-rock and modern elements.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Kintsugi
Death Cab for Cutie
Explores themes of change and nostalgia with lush melodies and modern production techniques.
Trouble Will Find Me
The National
Shares an introspective lyrical approach and atmospheric soundscapes, blending rock with subtle electronic elements.
El Pintor
Interpol
Combines nostalgic alt-rock melodies with a fresh production style, reflecting on personal conflict and change.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.