Not in Chronological Order
Julia Michaels · 2021
29 min · 11 tracks · pop music
A vibrant blend of pop and electronic elements that explore the complexities of love and self-identity.
Top tracks — play these first
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All Your Exes — This opening track sets the tone with its upbeat production and witty lyrics that confront past relationships head-on, showcasing Michaels' relatable songwriting style.
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Love Is Weird — The track delivers a catchy melody paired with introspective lyrics about the complexities of love, balancing playful hooks with deeper emotional insights.
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Little Did I Know — This poignant ballad highlights Michaels' vocal range and vulnerability, revealing personal reflections on unexpected heartbreak, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Lie Like This — As one of the album's lead singles, this track encapsulates the dichotomy of desire and honesty in relationships, featuring an infectious chorus that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid writing and production but lacks standout tracks that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong pop track that sets a mid-tempo pace, which is maintained through the first five songs before shifting to more introspective themes.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and electronic production elements, creating a rich soundscape that supports the lyrical content.
- The sequencing includes a notable shift in tone around the midpoint, where the lyrics delve deeper into personal struggles and self-identity.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 flow for casual listening
- candid vulnerability in every track
- infectious melodies for sing-alongs
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
- seek intense emotional crescendos
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — First full-length album after successful EPs, establishing her as a pop artist.
- Themes
- past relationship reflections· modern love complexities
- Career context
- Upon its release in April 2021, 'Not in Chronological Order' marked Julia Michaels' first full-length studio album following a series of successful EPs and singles. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a prominent songwriter for other artists, including Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, but was ready to showcase her own artistic vision and vulnerability through her solo work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bebe Rexha· Tove Lo· Lauv
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All Your Exes 3:29
- 2 Love Is Weird 2:30
- 3 Pessimist 3:17
- 4 Little Did I Know 3:16
- 5 Orange Magic 2:53
- 6 Lie Like This 3:38
- 7 Wrapped Around 2:43
- 8 History 2:19
- 9 Undertone 3:16
- 10 That’s the Kind of Woman 2:14
- 11 Lie Like This (acoustic version)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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