Released 14 years ago this October
Now for Plan A
The Tragically Hip · 2012
39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of alternative rock and folk influences, swirling with poignant lyrics and intricate melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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At Transformation Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Man Machine Poem — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that explore the intersection of humanity and technology, reflecting contemporary anxieties and philosophical questions.
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Goodnight Attawapiskat — This poignant song directly addresses Indigenous issues in Canada, using powerful imagery to highlight societal neglect and resonate with ongoing discussions about reconciliation.
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Now for Plan A — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and existential contemplation, merging lyrical depth with a rich musical arrangement that showcases the band's artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reflective lyrics with varied tempos and rich instrumentation, maintaining a cohesive yet dynamic flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that complements the lyrical themes.
- The final track is notably quieter and more subdued, providing a sense of closure to the album's narrative arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with reflective moments
- poignant storytelling for introspection
- ideal for evening unwinding
- melodic tunes for thoughtful listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Strong release post-hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Themes
- Indigenous issues· contemporary anxieties· Canadian societal reflection
- Career context
- Now for Plan A is The Tragically Hip's thirteenth studio album, released in 2012 after a brief hiatus following the 2009 album We Are the Same. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status as Canadian rock icons, known for their distinctive sound and storytelling prowess. This album marked a return to the studio after significant touring and set the stage for their later works as they approached their final years together.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Blue Rodeo· The Weakerthans· Gord Downie
Tracklist
- 1 At Transformation Start here 3:43
- 2 Man Machine Poem 3:52
- 3 The Lookahead 2:27
- 4 We Want to Be It 3:28
- 5 Streets Ahead 3:27
- 6 Now for Plan A 5:08
- 7 The Modern Spirit 3:22
- 8 About This Map 3:48
- 9 Take Forever 3:10
- 10 Done and Done 2:52
- 11 Goodnight Attawapiskat 4:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Trouble Will Find Me
The National
Shares reflective lyrics and a moody soundscape, exploring themes of anxiety and personal struggle.
Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes
Combines intricate melodies and folk elements with introspective lyrics about identity and societal issues.
Forgiveness Rock Record
Broken Social Scene
Features lush instrumentation and lyrical depth, addressing contemporary anxieties in a Canadian context.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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