Sacred Hearts Club cover

Sacred Hearts Club

Foster the People · 2017

41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of indie pop and alternative rock layered with reflective lyrics and infectious melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pay the Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Sit Next to Me — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, encapsulating the essence of the album's exploration of relationships in a modern context.
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    Doing It for the Money — With sharp lyrics critiquing materialism, this track captures the album's thematic focus on authenticity versus commercialism, making it a poignant commentary.
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    Loyal Like Sid & Nancy — This song delves into loyalty and partnership through a lens of punk nostalgia, showcasing lyrical depth alongside an engaging melody that reflects the band's diverse influences.

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 showcases a mix of catchy melodies and experimental elements, but lacks strong cohesion throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more experimental sound with varied instrumentation.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Sit Next to Me' and 'I Love My Friends'.
  • The album closes with a track that shifts dramatically in tone, moving from upbeat to introspective, which alters the listener's experience of the final moments.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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 groove throughout
  • carefree energy for social gatherings
  • existential themes with upbeat rhythms
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional depth
  • prefer long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album represents a deliberate departure in sound for the band.
Themes
digital age disillusionment· materialism critique· modern relationships
Career context
Released on July 21, 2017, Sacred Hearts Club is Foster the People's third studio album, following their 2014 release, Supermodel. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more eclectic sound while addressing themes of disillusionment and connection in a digital age.
Stylistic neighbors
Passion Pit· MGMT· Empire of the Sun

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Doing It for the Money

    The verses juxtapose personal fulfillment against societal expectations, directly addressing the superficial nature of success.

    The shift in tone from self-reflection to societal critique deepens the impact, inviting listeners to ponder their own motivations amidst external pressures.

Tracklist

  • 1 Pay the Man Start here 3:53
  • 2 Doing It for the Money 3:46
  • 3 Sit Next to Me 4:03
  • 4 SHC 4:08
  • 5 I Love My Friends 3:45
  • 6 Orange Dream 1:20
  • 7 Static Space Lover 4:00
  • 8 Lotus Eater 3:02
  • 9 Time to Get Closer 0:57
  • 10 Loyal Like Sid & Nancy 4:39
  • 11 Harden the Paint 3:54
  • 12 III 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata