What makes Never Cry Another Tear by Bad Lieutenant notable?

The album received positive reviews, particularly for its melodic approach and lyrical depth, which helped establish Bad Lieutenant as a noteworthy act in the British alternative rock scene. It charted modestly on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 40, indicating a solid but not overwhelming reception that reflected the band's transition from their previous incarnation. Released in 2009, Never Cry Another Tear marked Bad Lieutenant's debut album after the disbandment of New Order. This project was led by former New Order guitarist Bernard Sumner, showcasing a shift towards a more personal sound distinct from his past work. It positioned the band as a new entity while still echoing their roots in post-punk and alternative rock.

How many songs are on Never Cry Another Tear?

Never Cry Another Tear has 14 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Never Cry Another Tear

Bad Lieutenant · 2009

62 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of melodic alternative rock woven with introspective lyrics and shimmering guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sink or Swim — This opening track encapsulates the band's energetic spirit, blending catchy hooks with reflective themes that set the tone for the album.
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Summer Days — With its bright melodies and nostalgic lyrics, this track showcases the band's ability to evoke a sense of longing and warmth, resonating with listeners.
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These Changes — This song features an introspective exploration of personal transformation, driven by an infectious rhythm that highlights the band's lyrical maturity.

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 melodic songwriting and thoughtful production but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a bright, upbeat tempo with layered guitar melodies before the fourth track shifts to a more reflective tone.
Several songs feature a prominent use of reverb on the vocals and guitars, creating a spacious sound that enhances the introspective lyrics.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a softer, more contemplative finish.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Sink or Swim 4:12
2 Twist of Fate 4:10
3 Summer Days 5:06
4 This Is Home 4:41
5 Running Out of Luck 5:01
6 Dynamo 4:24
7 Poisonous Intent 4:41
8 These Changes 4:33
9 Walk on Silver Water 4:59
10 Shine Like the Sun 4:19
11 Runaway 4:19
12 Head Into Tomorrow 4:33
13 Falling Trees 3:32
14 Split the Atom 4:07

What to play next

Go back to

Sink or Swim

2009

Full Bad Lieutenant discography Artists like Bad Lieutenant

alternative rock

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