Politics of Living cover

Politics of Living

Kodaline · 2018

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Anthemic melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine, creating an uplifting soundscape that captures the essence of hope and resilience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Follow Your Fire Start here — Opening with a vibrant energy, this track encapsulates the album's theme of pursuing dreams despite challenges, making it a motivational anthem.
  • →
    Brother — This poignant tribute to friendship and support stands out with its emotional delivery and relatable message, resonating with listeners on a personal level.
  • →
    Shed a Tear — Offering a reflective take on vulnerability, this track combines haunting melodies with evocative lyrics that highlight the band's ability to convey deep emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and thematic consistency but lacks standout innovation.

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 'Follow Your Fire' and 'Head Held High'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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
  • anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
  • uplifting sound for group settings
  • introspective themes for quiet times

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its uplifting sound and themes of hope, solidifying their presence.
Career context
Released on January 1, 2018, Politics of Living is Kodaline's third studio album, following their 2015 album Coming Up for Air. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the indie rock scene after gaining recognition with their previous albums and hits like 'All I Want.' This release showcases a more mature sound while maintaining their signature emotional resonance.
Stylistic neighbors
The Script· Snow Patrol· OneRepublic

Tracklist

  • 1 Follow Your Fire Start here 3:59
  • 2 Hide and Seek 3:46
  • 3 Angel 3:57
  • 4 Worth It 4:01
  • 5 Shed a Tear 3:55
  • 6 Head Held High 3:34
  • 7 Born Again 3:34
  • 8 I Wouldn’t Be 3:41
  • 9 Don’t Come Around 3:07
  • 10 Brother 3:23
  • 11 Hell Froze Over 3:45
  • 12 Temple Bar 3:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata