Is New Horizons a good place to start with Flyleaf?

Yes, New Horizons is recommended as a starting point for new Flyleaf listeners. A dynamic blend of soaring melodies and heavy riffs that encapsulates the emotional struggles and resilience of its themes. In 2012, Flyleaf released 'New Horizons' as their third studio album, marking a significant moment following their self-titled debut in 2005 and the sophomore effort 'Memento Mori' in 2009. The album showcased a transition in their sound, featuring new vocalist Kristen May after Lacey Sturm's departure, which introduced a fresh perspective while maintaining their signature hard rock essence.

Who is New Horizons for?

New Horizons works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective journey, soaring melodies for uplifted spirits and gritty instrumentation with emotional depth.

How many songs are on New Horizons?

New Horizons has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

New Horizons

Flyleaf · 2012

36 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic blend of soaring melodies and heavy riffs that encapsulates the emotional struggles and resilience of its themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fire Fire Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Call You Out — This track stands out for its confrontational lyrics and powerful chorus, embodying the album's themes of resilience and self-assertion.
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New Horizons — The title track encapsulates the spirit of hope and renewal that permeates the album, combining melodic hooks with introspective lyrics.
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Cage on the Ground — This song explores themes of personal struggle and liberation, showcasing the band’s ability to weave emotional depth into their hard rock sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases dynamic songwriting with strong vocal arrangements but lacks overall cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which create a rich sound texture.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier intensity and allowing for emotional reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective journey
soaring melodies for uplifted spirits
gritty instrumentation with emotional depth
hopeful themes of redemption
for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents Flyleaf's evolution but isn't their most recognized or accessible work.
Career context: In 2012, Flyleaf released 'New Horizons' as their third studio album, marking a significant moment following their self-titled debut in 2005 and the sophomore effort 'Memento Mori' in 2009. The album showcased a transition in their sound, featuring new vocalist Kristen May after Lacey Sturm's departure, which introduced a fresh perspective while maintaining their signature hard rock essence.
Stylistic neighbors: Paramore· Evanescence· Halestorm