Raised Under Grey Skies cover

Released 9 years ago this October

Raised Under Grey Skies

JP Cooper · 2017

70 min · 20 tracks

A blend of soulful melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in a pop-infused acoustic soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    September Song — This track exemplifies Cooper's signature sound with its emotive storytelling and catchy melody, making it one of his most recognizable songs.
  • →
    We Were Raised Under Grey Skies — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and reflection, anchored by soulful instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics.
  • →
    All This Love — With its anthemic chorus and rich harmonies, this song captures the essence of romantic longing, showcasing Cooper's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop and acoustic elements with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
  • Many tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic richness.
  • Several songs feature a prominent acoustic guitar presence, which serves as a foundation for both rhythm and melody throughout the record.
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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • reflective late-night listening
  • emotional storytelling journeys
  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • introspective moments of calm

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 6, 2017, 'Raised Under Grey Skies' is JP Cooper's debut studio album following a series of successful EPs. At this point in his career, he had gained recognition through hits like 'September Song', setting the stage for a full-length project that showcases his unique blend of pop and soul influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Lauv· James Bay

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 We Were Raised Under Grey Skies 3:30
  • 2 September Song 3:40
  • 3 Good Friend 2:57
  • 4 All This Love 3:14
  • 5 The Only Reason 3:40
  • 6 Passport Home 3:00
  • 7 She’s on My Mind 2:58
  • 8 Wait 3:52
  • 9 Change 3:48
  • 10 Closer 3:04
  • 11 Beneath the Streetlights and the Moon 3:35
  • 12 In the Silence 3:20
  • 13 Momma’s Prayers 5:06
  • 14 Masterpiece 3:38
  • 15 Tidal Wave 3:32
  • 16 Party 3:24
  • 17 Lost Boy Dreaming 3:44
  • 18 Passport Home (piano version) 3:04
  • 19 September Song (guitar version) 3:32
  • 20 Perfect Strangers (Band version) 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata