What makes Orion by X Ambassadors notable?

The album features the hit single 'Hey Child,' which charted on Billboard's Adult Pop Songs, further establishing X Ambassadors in the mainstream music landscape. It received generally favorable reviews, with critics noting its emotional depth and production quality, contributing to the band's growing reputation for crafting relatable anthems. Released on January 1, 2019, 'Orion' is X Ambassadors' second studio album, following their successful debut 'VHS' in 2015. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and exploring new themes, aiming to broaden their audience while building on the momentum from earlier hits like 'Renegades.'

Orion works well if you're into uplifting anthems for motivation, short bursts of energy and introspective moments for reflection.

How many songs are on Orion?

Orion has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Orion

X Ambassadors · 2019

35 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

An eclectic blend of alternative rock and pop, infused with anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics that invite reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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HEY CHILD — This track serves as a rallying cry for resilience, blending catchy melodies with uplifting messages that resonate widely. Its infectious hook and engaging rhythm make it a standout introduction to the album's themes.
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QUICKSAND — With its darker undertones and reflective lyrics, 'Quicksand' showcases the band's ability to tackle deeper emotional struggles while maintaining a compelling sonic energy. The contrast between the upbeat tempo and somber themes highlights their artistic range.
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HISTORY — 'History' explores personal growth and legacy through poignant lyrics, making it one of the most introspective tracks. The combination of heartfelt storytelling and a soaring chorus exemplifies the band's knack for emotional resonance.

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 introspective lyrics with anthemic choruses but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build to an anthemic chorus, particularly in 'Hey Child' and 'Boom.'
The lyrics often explore themes of self-reflection and resilience, with a notable shift in tone from introspective to uplifting across the tracklist.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

uplifting anthems for motivation
short bursts of energy
introspective moments for reflection
for upbeat gatherings

Maybe skip if you

slow, drawn-out listening preference
seeking deep narrative complexity

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2019, 'Orion' is X Ambassadors' second studio album, following their successful debut 'VHS' in 2015. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound and exploring new themes, aiming to broaden their audience while building on the momentum from earlier hits like 'Renegades.'
Stylistic neighbors: Imagine Dragons· OneRepublic· Awolnation