Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947
Michael Penn · 2005
38 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective melodies and quirky narratives wrapped in lush alternative rock arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Walter Reed — Opening with a melodic hook, this track captures the essence of the album's reflective tone while addressing themes of identity and fame.
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You Know How — This song stands out for its vivid storytelling and emotional weight, illustrating Penn's knack for weaving personal experiences into relatable narratives.
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(P.S.) Millionaire — Closing the album, this track encapsulates Penn's satirical edge while offering a poignant commentary on wealth and social dynamics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks widespread recognition.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and keyboards complementing the guitar-driven sound throughout.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected key shifts, which challenge typical pop conventions.
- Lyrically, the songs often tell stories that intertwine personal reflection with broader cultural commentary, creating a narrative depth.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- quirky narratives with introspective melodies
- brief tracks for quick listens
- playful storytelling with whimsical charm
- vignettes for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2005, Michael Penn released Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 as his fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed album Resigned from 1997. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a distinctive voice in alternative rock, blending personal storytelling with eclectic instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aimee Mann· Sam Phillips· The Jayhawks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Walter Reed 3:42
- 2 Denton Road 3:24
- 3 Room 712, The Apache 3:27
- 4 Pretending 3:20
- 5 The Transistor 1:24
- 6 Mary Lynn 3:08
- 7 18 September 1:31
- 8 The Television Set Waltz 1:01
- 9 You Know How 4:28
- 10 A Bad Sign 3:28
- 11 O.K. 2:50
- 12 On Automatic 2:53
- 13 (P.S.) Millionaire 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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