New Wave
The Auteurs · 1993
43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A sharp blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that encapsulate the raw energy of early '90s alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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American Guitars — This track captures the essence of the album with its catchy hook and clever lyrics about disillusionment in American culture, showcasing Haines' lyrical prowess.
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Show Girl — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its driving beat and vivid imagery that critiques celebrity culture, making it a standout introduction.
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Idiot Brother — With its more reflective mood, this song delves into personal relationships and familial dynamics, highlighting Haines' ability to blend personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting but uneven pacing, making it engaging yet occasionally disjointed.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a punchy track that sets a brisk tempo, but the pacing slows significantly by the fifth track, creating a noticeable dip.
- Several songs feature jangly guitar riffs layered with introspective lyrics, often alternating between upbeat and reflective moods.
- The final three tracks incorporate a more subdued sound, with softer instrumentation that contrasts sharply with earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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 Show Girl 4:06
- 2 Bailed Out 3:44
- 3 American Guitars 3:31
- 4 Junk Shop Clothes 2:42
- 5 Don’t Trust the Stars 2:25
- 6 Starstruck 2:59
- 7 How Could I Be Wrong 3:53
- 8 Housebreaker 2:57
- 9 Valet Parking 2:55
- 10 Idiot Brother 5:45
- 11 Early Years 2:40
- 12 Home Again 5:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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