Siberia cover

Released 15 years ago this October

Siberia

Lights · 2011

57 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and alternative rock, infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Siberia Start here — The title track captures the essence of the album with its atmospheric synths and reflective lyrics about isolation and self-discovery.
  • →
    Everybody Breaks a Glass — This track stands out for its infectious energy and metaphorical exploration of vulnerability and resilience, blending catchy hooks with deeper emotional themes.
  • →
    Timing Is Everything — With its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics about seizing moments, this song highlights Lights' knack for marrying infectious pop sensibilities with meaningful storytelling.

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 blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, though it lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that continues through several subsequent songs.
  • Synthesizers are prominently featured throughout, often layered with guitar riffs and rhythmic percussion, creating a dense soundscape.
  • The lyrics across the album frequently explore themes of introspection and personal growth, with many tracks featuring repetitive hooks that enhance their catchiness.
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 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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative reflective moods
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Lights' reputation and showcased her artistic evolution.
Career context
Released on October 4, 2011, 'Siberia' is Lights' second studio album, following her debut 'The Listening' which gained her initial acclaim. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her place in the indie pop scene while exploring a more electronic sound that would define her future work.
Stylistic neighbors
Grimes· Chvrches· Muna

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Peace Sign

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on hope and positivity amidst adversity.

Tracklist

  • 1 Siberia Start here 4:19
  • 2 Where the Fence Is Low 3:24
  • 3 Toes 3:19
  • 4 Banner 3:38
  • 5 Everybody Breaks a Glass 3:55
  • 6 Heavy Rope 4:00
  • 7 Timing Is Everything 3:16
  • 8 Peace Sign 3:21
  • 9 Cactus in the Valley 3:24
  • 10 Suspension 4:05
  • 11 Flux and Flow 3:21
  • 12 Fourth Dimension 3:28
  • 13 And Counting... 4:42
  • 14 Day One 8:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata