Old
Starflyer 59 · 2003
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of shimmering guitars and introspective lyrics that encapsulates the wistfulness of growing older.
Top tracks — play these first
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Underneath — This opening track sets a contemplative tone with its layered melodies and reflective lyrics about searching for deeper meaning beneath the surface of life.
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Major Awards — With its catchy hooks and satirical take on fame and success, this track captures a blend of humor and melancholy that defines much of the album.
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Old — The title track delves into themes of aging and self-reflection with an atmospheric arrangement that mirrors the weight of its subject matter.
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Unbelievers — This song features an emotional crescendo that poignantly tackles feelings of doubt and faith, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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 layered instrumentation, maintaining a consistent mood throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, and the following tracks maintain a consistent pace without significant tempo shifts.
- Several songs feature layered guitar textures that create a shimmering effect, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The lyrics often explore themes of nostalgia and introspection, with a focus on personal experiences rather than abstract concepts.
- 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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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
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 pacing with reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for quiet contemplation
- melancholic yet hopeful soundscape
- consistent flow with gradual climax
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Old was Starflyer 59's sixth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, Leave Here a Stranger. At this point, the band had established themselves as a key player in the alternative rock scene, known for their dreamy soundscapes and thoughtful lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Prayer Chain· My Morning Jacket· Pedro the Lion
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Underneath 4:35
- 2 Major Awards 2:53
- 3 Loved Ones 3:03
- 4 Passengers 3:05
- 5 The Lights On 3:07
- 6 New Wife, New Life 3:35
- 7 Old 5:22
- 8 A Kissing Song 2:54
- 9 Unbelievers 5:31
- 10 First Heart Attack 4:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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