Is Playlist a good place to start with Birds of Tokyo?

Yes, Playlist is recommended as a starting point for new Birds of Tokyo listeners. A vibrant blend of alternative rock melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect personal journeys and societal observations. Released in 2015, 'Playlist' is Birds of Tokyo's fourth studio album, following their 2013 release 'March Fires.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the Australian music scene, having achieved mainstream success and critical acclaim with previous albums.

Playlist works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, short bursts of emotional release and sing-along choruses with friends.

How many songs are on Playlist?

Playlist has 10 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Playlist

Birds of Tokyo · 2015

31 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect personal journeys and societal observations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Si salta in aria Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Musica Legale — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics addressing themes of legality and morality, wrapped in an infectious melody that invites reflection.
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Va tutto bene — Offering an uplifting message amidst uncertainty, this song captures the essence of resilience through its soaring chorus and anthemic structure.
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Sogni nella polvere (Unplugged) — The unplugged version highlights the band's emotional depth, allowing raw instrumentation and vocal delivery to shine through while exposing vulnerable themes.

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 balances energetic tracks with introspective moments but lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered guitar riffs and a steady drumbeat, establishing an upbeat tempo that persists through the first half.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, where verses build tension before releasing into more expansive choruses.
The final track is an unplugged version, which contrasts sharply with the preceding electric arrangements and provides a reflective closure.

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 4/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
short bursts of emotional release
sing-along choruses with friends
thoughtful background for daily tasks

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition with commercial success and accessible sound.
Themes: Australian resilience· legal morality· personal journeys
Career context: Released in 2015, 'Playlist' is Birds of Tokyo's fourth studio album, following their 2013 release 'March Fires.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the Australian music scene, having achieved mainstream success and critical acclaim with previous albums.
Stylistic neighbors: The Temper Trap· Anberlin· Atlas Genius