Released 17 years ago today
Slice
Five for Fighting · 2009
40 min · 11 tracks · rock music
Melodic rock anthems intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating an introspective yet uplifting sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Note to the Unknown Soldier — This track offers a heartfelt tribute to veterans, combining emotional weight with stirring melodies that exemplify the band's signature style.
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Chances — Exploring themes of seizing opportunities and personal growth, this song encapsulates the hopeful spirit that runs throughout the album.
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Hope — With its anthemic chorus and uplifting message, this track stands out as a beacon of optimism amidst life's challenges.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Slice', opens with a piano melody that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the subsequent tracks.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- melodic background listening experience
- reflective, emotional engagement
- mid-tempo contemplative moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Slice' was released in 2009, Five for Fighting had already established themselves as a notable presence in the pop-rock scene, following their commercial success with albums like 'America Town' and 'Two Lights'. This album represented a continuation of their introspective songwriting style while exploring new themes of hope and resilience after a challenging period for the band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gavin DeGraw· Rob Thomas· Train
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hope
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to one of unwavering determination.
This transition underscores the album's core message of resilience, emphasizing a proactive approach to overcoming adversity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slice 3:34
- 2 Note to the Unknown Soldier 3:27
- 3 Tuesday 3:29
- 4 Chances 3:35
- 5 This Dance 3:51
- 6 Above the Timberline 3:24
- 7 Transfer 4:06
- 8 Hope 4:01
- 9 Story of Your Life 3:29
- 10 Love Can’t Change the Weather 3:54
- 11 Augie Nieto 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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