What makes Of Men and Angels by The Rocket Summer notable?

The album debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews for its earnest songwriting and energetic production. Its success helped The Rocket Summer gain a broader audience and solidified their place within the alternative rock scene of the early 2010s. Released on February 23, 2010, Of Men and Angels is The Rocket Summer's fourth studio album, following the artist's previous album, Do You Feel. At this point in his career, Bryce Avary was solidifying his signature sound while exploring more personal themes, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic development.

Who is Of Men and Angels for?

Of Men and Angels works well if you're into hopeful melodies for uplifting moments, introspective lyrics for personal reflection and catchy anthems for group sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Of Men and Angels?

Of Men and Angels has 15 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Of Men and Angels

The Rocket Summer · 2010

55 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

An uplifting blend of alternative rock and pop melodies, infused with introspective lyrics and vibrant instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Want Something to Live For — This track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of hope and resilience, combining catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply.
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Roses — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its bright instrumentation and anthemic chorus, inviting listeners into Avary’s reflective journey.
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Pull Myself Together (Don't Hate Me) — This song showcases a raw vulnerability as Avary confronts self-doubt, blending personal struggle with an infectious pop-rock sound that stands out.

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 combines energetic melodies with introspective lyrics but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
The instrumentation frequently alternates between electric guitar-driven sections and piano-led moments, providing dynamic contrast throughout.

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 3/10

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

hopeful melodies for uplifting moments
introspective lyrics for personal reflection
catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
consistent pacing throughout the album
bright sounds for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

need instant gratification tracks
prefer longer, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 23, 2010, Of Men and Angels is The Rocket Summer's fourth studio album, following the artist's previous album, Do You Feel. At this point in his career, Bryce Avary was solidifying his signature sound while exploring more personal themes, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic development.
Stylistic neighbors: Jack's Mannequin· Relient K· The Maine