Smile Kid
We the Kings · 2009
49 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
Catchy pop-punk anthems blend upbeat melodies with heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Check Yes Juliet — This track encapsulates the album's youthful spirit with its infectious chorus and narrative about young love defying obstacles, making it a defining anthem for fans.
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We'll Be a Dream — Featuring a collaboration with singer-songwriter Demi Lovato, this song blends powerful vocals with themes of hope and aspiration, highlighting the album's emotional range.
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Promise The Stars — With its romantic lyrics and soaring melody, this track stands out as a quintessential love song that showcases the band's ability to evoke deep emotions in listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features catchy melodies and solid production but lacks significant depth or innovation.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- The album includes two acoustic versions of previously released tracks, which provide a contrast to the full-band arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- catchy hooks and melodies
- upbeat, feel-good vibes
- short, engaging tracks
- nostalgic summer soundscapes
- energetic sing-along moments
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2009, Smile Kid is We the Kings' second studio album, following their self-titled debut from 2007. This album solidified their presence in the pop-punk scene, showcasing a more refined sound while still embracing the energetic charm that characterized their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- All Time Low· Simple Plan· Mayday Parade
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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We'll Be a Dream
The verse shifts into a hopeful declaration about overcoming obstacles together, painting vivid imagery of shared dreams.
The shift towards optimism marks a departure from typical heartbreak narratives, suggesting resilience and collective ambition.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 She Takes Me High 4:06
- 2 Promise The Stars 4:35
- 3 Heaven Can Wait 3:30
- 4 The Story of Your Life 3:32
- 5 Rain Falls Down 4:31
- 6 Summer Love 3:24
- 7 In-N-Out (Animal Style) 3:07
- 8 Spin 3:59
- 9 Anna Maria (All We Need) 3:21
- 10 We'll Be a Dream 3:53
- 11 What You Do to Me 4:19
- 12 Heaven Can Wait (acoustic) 3:10
- 13 She Takes Me High (acoustic) 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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