My Mind Makes Noises cover

My Mind Makes Noises

Pale Waves · 2018

50 min · 14 tracks · indie pop

A shimmering blend of dream pop and synth-infused melodies wrapped in candid, introspective lyrics that explore youthful uncertainty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Eighteen — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious hook and exploration of youthful love and vulnerability, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
  • →
    Television Romance — As one of the standout singles, this track combines catchy melodies with relatable lyrics about infatuation, showcasing Pale Waves’ ability to craft pop anthems.
  • →
    Noises — This track dives into themes of mental health and self-reflection, blending dreamy instrumentation with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
  • →
    There’s a Honey — With its upbeat tempo and engaging chorus, this song highlights the contrast between joy and inner turmoil, reflecting the complexities of young adulthood.

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 features solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered synths that create a lush soundscape, particularly in 'Television Romance' and 'Eighteen'.
  • The lyrics often employ conversational phrasing, with recurring themes of uncertainty and introspection across multiple songs.
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 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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • dreamlike atmosphere for introspection
  • youthful vulnerability in lyrics
  • consistent flow for focused listening
  • background warmth for casual settings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
My Mind Makes Noises is Pale Waves' debut studio album, following their successful EP All the Things I Never Said released in 2017. This album marked a significant moment in their career, establishing them as a prominent voice in the indie pop scene and setting the stage for their subsequent growth.
Stylistic neighbors
Chvrches· The 1975· Wolf Alice

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Eighteen 3:00
  • 2 There’s a Honey 3:50
  • 3 Noises 4:06
  • 4 Came in Close 3:03
  • 5 Loveless Girl 3:04
  • 6 Drive 4:14
  • 7 When Did I Lose It All? 3:57
  • 8 She 4:14
  • 9 One More Time 2:39
  • 10 Television Romance 3:24
  • 11 Red 3:56
  • 12 Kiss 3:10
  • 13 Black 3:54
  • 14 Karl (I Wonder What It’s Like to Die) 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata