No Place in Heaven cover

No Place in Heaven

Mika · 2015

48 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of pop and glam rock, layered with introspective lyrics and Mika's signature theatrical flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    No Place in Heaven — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of searching for acceptance and belonging amid societal pressures. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody speak to the struggles faced by those marginalized by society.
  • →
    Good Guys — This song stands out for its critique of societal norms and the pressure to conform. With a catchy chorus juxtaposed against deeper lyrical content, it highlights Mika's ability to blend pop sensibility with meaningful commentary.
  • →
    Hurts — In 'Hurts', Mika delves into emotional vulnerability by discussing heartbreak and loss. The rawness of his vocals combined with a sweeping orchestral arrangement creates an impactful listening experience that resonates with many.

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 blends vibrant pop with introspective themes but lacks strong cohesion in its running order.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and theatrical arrangements, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 vibe
  • introspective themes of identity
  • colorful melodies for uplift
  • for reflective moments
  • sing-along potential with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced excitement
  • seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents a mature sound and explores significant themes, marking an artistic high point.
Career context
Released in 2015, No Place in Heaven was Mika's fourth studio album, following the commercial success of his previous work, The Third Studio Album. At this point, he was transitioning into a more mature sound, exploring themes of identity and belonging. This album marked a departure from his earlier playful style, reflecting both personal growth and artistic evolution.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Talk About You 3:23
  • 2 All She Wants 3:39
  • 3 Last Party 3:39
  • 4 Good Guys 3:23
  • 5 Oh Girl, You’re the Devil 2:51
  • 6 No Place in Heaven 3:20
  • 7 Staring at the Sun 3:35
  • 8 Hurts 3:37
  • 9 Good Wife 3:18
  • 10 Rio 4:08
  • 11 Ordinary Man 3:46
  • 12 Promiseland 2:59
  • 13 Porcelain 3:19
  • 14 Good Guys (Night Time mix) 3:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata