Released 9 years ago this October
Pinewood Smile
The Darkness · 2017
50 min · 15 tracks · hard rock
A flamboyant blend of glam rock and hard-hitting riffs, infused with cheeky humor and theatricality.
Top tracks — play these first
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All the Pretty Girls Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with catchy hooks and cheeky lyrics, setting the stage for the glam rock exuberance that follows.
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Japanese Prisoner of Love — With its infectious melody and humorous storytelling, this track exemplifies The Darkness's ability to blend serious themes with lightheartedness, making it memorable.
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Solid Gold — This anthem-like song stands out for its grandiose sound and lyrics celebrating self-confidence and excess, capturing the essence of the band's lyrical wit.
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Southern Trains — Offering a more reflective tone amidst the high-energy tracks, this song highlights the band's versatility while maintaining their signature style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic songwriting and strong performances but has moments that feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first five songs.
- Several tracks feature layered harmonies and guitar solos that are characteristic of glam rock, particularly in 'Buccaneers of Hispaniola' and 'Solid Gold'.
- The last three tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a contrast with the earlier material and allowing for a more reflective conclusion.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- playful lyrical wit throughout
- steady mid-tempo party vibes
- catchy choruses for sing-alongs
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- fun tracks for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, introspective music
- seek deep emotional narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues the band's evolution and received positive reception after a hiatus.
- Themes
- glam rock excess· cheeky humor· theatrical storytelling
- Career context
- Released on October 6, 2017, Pinewood Smile is The Darkness's fifth studio album, following the band's reunion and resurgence after a decade-long hiatus. This album marked their continued evolution as they embraced both nostalgia and fresh creative ideas, showcasing their trademark flamboyance while integrating contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Queen· Electric Six· Steel Panther
Tracklist
- 1 All the Pretty Girls Start here 3:18
- 2 Buccaneers of Hispaniola 3:06
- 3 Solid Gold 4:31
- 4 Southern Trains 2:52
- 5 Why Don’t the Beautiful Cry? 3:36
- 6 Japanese Prisoner of Love 4:19
- 7 Lay Down With Me, Barbara 4:04
- 8 I Wish I Was in Heaven 3:20
- 9 Happiness 3:12
- 10 Stampede of Love 3:53
- 11 Uniball 3:33
- 12 Rack of Glam 3:43
- 13 Seagulls (Losing My Virginity) 3:53
- 14 Rock in Space 3:33
- 15 Why Don’t the Beautiful Cry (demo version)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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