Ornament and Crime
Self · 2017
39 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A raw exploration of vulnerability wrapped in gritty guitars and confessional lyrics that resonate with a sense of restless authenticity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hellbent — Opening with intense energy, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of inner turmoil and emotional conflict through driving rhythms and catchy hooks.
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Insecure Sober — This track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, featuring poignant lyrics that juxtapose moments of clarity with feelings of doubt.
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Pathetic Song — With its ironic title, this song critiques self-pity while delivering a catchy chorus that illustrates the struggle between despair and humor.
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Pounding Truth — This song dives deep into the harsh realities of life, using stark imagery and a relentless pace to convey urgency and frustration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw sound and confessional lyrics create a relatable experience, though it lacks standout production quality.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Can't Go On' which shifts from a slow build to an energetic climax.
- The lyrics across the album often employ a confessional style, with personal themes explored in a direct manner that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- 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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5/10
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
- gritty introspection with energy
- short tracks for quick engagement
- emotional honesty in every song
- for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer long, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Ornament and Crime is Self's sixth studio album, released after a six-year hiatus following the 2011 album, Self-Inflicted. The band had undergone significant lineup changes since their formation, and this release marked a return to their alternative rock roots while showcasing a matured sound. This album reflected an artist re-establishing their voice in a rapidly evolving music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Apples in Stereo· They Might Be Giants· Beck
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Emotional
The shift from introspective verses to an explosive chorus highlights the tension between private struggles and public facades.
This dynamic contrast emphasizes the conflict between feeling overwhelmed inside while projecting composure outwardly.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hellbent 3:09
- 2 Emotional 3:27
- 3 Insecure Sober 2:23
- 4 Pathetic Song 3:21
- 5 How Can I Make You Happy 3:13
- 6 Can’t Go On 4:05
- 7 Coming Over 4:03
- 8 No One Knows You 2:43
- 9 Grow Up 3:22
- 10 Pounding Truth 3:18
- 11 Out With a Bang 3:32
- 12 LA Radio 2:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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