Solid State
Jonathan Coulton · 2017
52 min · 17 tracks · folk rock
An introspective blend of folk rock and witty storytelling, weaving personal narratives with clever observations on contemporary life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wake Up — The opening track sets the tone with its poignant reflection on self-awareness and the need for change, encapsulating the album's overarching theme.
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Don't Feed the Trolls — This track cleverly addresses online discourse and internet culture through sharp wit, showcasing Coulton's signature blend of humor and insight.
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Ordinary Man — A heartfelt exploration of identity and authenticity, this song resonates deeply with listeners seeking connection in an increasingly complex world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Coulton's blend of humor and introspection creates a solid but not folk rock experience.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate clever lyrical wordplay and storytelling, often using humor to address contemporary issues.
- The final three tracks create a reflective atmosphere, with 'All to Myself, Pt. 1' and 'Pt. 2' serving as a two-part conclusion that revisits earlier themes.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- whimsical storytelling with clever lyrics
- steady pacing for focused listening
- engaging narratives across multiple tracks
- light-hearted themes for casual enjoyment
- reprise that reinforces emotional arc
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy instant gratification
- seek standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2017, Solid State is Jonathan Coulton's first full-length album after a five-year hiatus following his 2012 release, Artificial Heart. By this time, Coulton had established himself as a prominent figure in the folk rock genre, known for his narrative style and internet-driven success, making this album a crucial return to form.
- Stylistic neighbors
- They Might Be Giants· Ben Folds· Johnathan Rice
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Wake Up 4:25
- 2 All This Time 4:08
- 3 Solid State 2:52
- 4 Brave 2:57
- 5 Square Things 3:09
- 6 Pictures of Cats 2:47
- 7 Ordinary Man 3:50
- 8 robots.txt 3:15
Disc 2
- 1 Don’t Feed the Trolls 3:10
- 2 Your Tattoo 2:41
- 3 Ball and Chain 3:21
- 4 Sunshine 4:38
- 5 Solid State (reprise) 2:35
- 6 Pulled Down the Stars 2:54
- 7 All to Myself, Pt. 1 2:04
- 8 All to Myself, Pt. 2 2:24
- 9 There You Are 1:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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