Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Shade combines energetic instrumentation with socially conscious lyrics, marking a strong return for Living Colour.

What we noticed

• — The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
• — Lyrically, the album addresses social issues directly, with tracks like 'Inner City Blues' and 'Freedom of Expression (F.O.X.)' emphasizing political themes.

How the number is built

Composition 25% of the score

7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score

8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score

6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score

7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score

6/10

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.