What makes More Than Just a Dream by Fitz and the Tantrums notable?

This album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart and received positive reviews from critics, showcasing the band's growing popularity in the indie pop scene. Its lead single, The Walker, became a commercial success, significantly boosting the band's visibility and leading to performances at major festivals. Released on May 7, 2013, More Than Just a Dream is Fitz and the Tantrums' second studio album, following their successful debut, Pickin' Up the Pieces. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and expanding their audience, having gained notable traction from their first release.

Who is More Than Just a Dream for?

More Than Just a Dream works well if you're into uplifting melodies for celebration, steady flow for casual listening and for afternoon gatherings.

How many songs are on More Than Just a Dream?

More Than Just a Dream has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

More Than Just a Dream

Fitz and the Tantrums · 2013

43 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

An exuberant blend of soulful melodies and upbeat rhythms that captures the essence of indie pop with a retro twist.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Walker — The Walker stands out as an anthem of resilience and self-empowerment, featuring catchy hooks and an infectious energy that encapsulates the album's spirit.
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Out of My League — This track showcases vibrant instrumentation and upbeat lyrics, making it a perfect opener that sets the tone for the entire album's optimistic vibe.
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Break the Walls — With its driving beat and motivational lyrics, Break the Walls resonates as a powerful declaration of overcoming obstacles, reinforcing the thematic core of dream-chasing present throughout the album.

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 energetic songwriting and production but lacks strong cohesion throughout.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The final track slows down significantly, creating a contrast with the preceding upbeat songs.

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

Influence 4/10

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

uplifting melodies for celebration
steady flow for casual listening
for afternoon gatherings
joyful energy for road trips
catchy anthems for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer slower, introspective tracks
seek complex, experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on May 7, 2013, More Than Just a Dream is Fitz and the Tantrums' second studio album, following their successful debut, Pickin' Up the Pieces. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and expanding their audience, having gained notable traction from their first release.
Stylistic neighbors: Walk the Moon· Foster the People· Maroon 5