Split the Country, Split the Street
Kevin Devine · 2005
47 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
A dynamic blend of introspective lyrics and melodic indie rock, punctuated by raw emotional energy and intricate guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cotton Crush — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and earnest storytelling, showcasing Devine's knack for blending personal narratives with broader social themes.
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No One Else's Problem — This song exemplifies Devine's ability to convey complex emotions through concise lyrics, highlighting themes of isolation and self-reflection that resonate throughout the album.
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You Are the Daybreak — Closing out the album, this track features an uplifting melody paired with introspective lyrics, encapsulating the journey of self-discovery present in Devine's work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth but lacks a fully cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar work that shifts between melodic lines and rhythmic strumming, creating a layered sound.
- Lyrically, the album often employs introspective storytelling, with recurring themes of personal struggle and emotional reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- reflective storytelling with emotional depth
- for late-night introspection
- engaging narratives in concise tracks
- vivid imagery that sparks imagination
- melodic hooks for sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2005, Kevin Devine was releasing his third studio album, Split the Country, Split the Street, following his breakthrough with 2003's Make the Clocks Move. This album marked a period of artistic maturity for Devine, as he began to solidify his voice within the indie rock scene while exploring deeper personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· Modest Mouse· The Front Bottoms
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Lord, I Know We Don't Talk
The bridge shifts into a moment of vulnerability where past grievances are laid bare without pretense.
This direct confrontation contrasts with earlier avoidance throughout the song, marking a pivotal shift in emotional honesty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cotton Crush 3:30
- 2 Afterparty 3:49
- 3 No Time Flat 4:19
- 4 Keep Ringing Your Bell 3:09
- 5 No One Else's Problem 2:39
- 6 Buried by the Buzz 3:39
- 7 Haircut 3:29
- 8 Probably 3:59
- 9 Alabama Acres 4:36
- 10 Yr Damned Ol' Dad 2:35
- 11 The Shift Change Splits the Streets 3:36
- 12 You Are the Daybreak 2:33
- 13 Lord, I Know We Don't Talk 5:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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