Top tracks — play these first
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Hurricane — This track not only introduced MS MR to a wider audience but also encapsulated their signature sound with its soaring choruses and atmospheric production, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Dark Doo Wop — Blending vintage doo-wop influences with modern pop elements, this song stands out for its nostalgic yet fresh feel, showcasing the duo's creative range and lyrical storytelling.
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Bones — With its driving beat and introspective lyrics about vulnerability and resilience, 'Bones' illustrates the emotional core of the album while highlighting the duo's ability to merge dark themes with infectious melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with darker themes, showcasing strong production and vocal arrangements.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks like 'Hurricane' and 'Bones', while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the electronic instrumentation.
- The album frequently employs atmospheric synths and reverb-drenched vocals, enhancing its dreamlike quality.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- dreamlike introspection with haunting vocals
- short bursts of emotional depth
- melancholic soundscapes for reflection
- evening solitude with lush melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
- want straightforward, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When MS MR released Secondhand Rapture in May 2013, they were riding the wave of success from their viral hit 'Hurricane', which had established them as a notable act in the indie pop scene. This debut album marked their transition from internet sensations to serious contenders, showcasing their unique sound and visual aesthetic that resonated widely.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chvrches· Bat for Lashes· Lorde
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Think of You
The bridge shifts perspective to question the reliability of memories and experiences shared between two people.
This structural change creates a moment of self-doubt that contrasts with earlier confidence, adding complexity to the exploration of relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hurricane 3:46
- 2 Bones 4:14
- 3 Ash Tree Lane 3:13
- 4 Fantasy 3:28
- 5 Dark Doo Wop 2:53
- 6 Head Is Not My Home 3:32
- 7 Salty Sweet 3:12
- 8 Think of You 3:25
- 9 Twenty Seven 3:39
- 10 BTSK 3:27
- 11 No Trace 3:15
- 12 This Isn’t Control 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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