Steal the Light
The Cat Empire · 2013
47 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and ska, infused with infectious rhythms and uplifting melodies that invite listeners to dance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brighter Than Gold — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its bright brass sections and upbeat tempo, encapsulating the band's signature celebratory style.
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Wild Animals — With its introspective lyrics paired against lively instrumentation, this track balances reflective moments with powerful grooves, illustrating the band's versatility.
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Still Young — This song captures a sense of nostalgia while celebrating youth and freedom, resonating deeply with listeners through its catchy chorus and rhythmic drive.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and ska with vibrant brass and infectious rhythms, making it engaging yet familiar.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of brass instruments, which are prominent in the mix and drive many of the melodies.
- Several tracks incorporate syncopated rhythms that blend jazz improvisation with ska's upbeat tempo, creating a danceable feel.
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the latter half introduces more reflective and mellow pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- uplifting grooves for celebration
- steady rhythms for dancing
- joyful energy for social gatherings
- invigorating soundtracks for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of slow, introspective music
- fans of heavy, somber tones
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its vibrant sound, reinforcing the band's established style.
- Career context
- By the time 'Steal the Light' was released in 2013, The Cat Empire had already established themselves as a significant player in the Australian music scene following their breakthrough with 'Two Shoes' in 2007. This album marked a continuation of their eclectic sound, showcasing their growth as artists while maintaining their characteristic energy and charm.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bamboos· Fat Freddy's Drop· The Specials
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Brighter Than Gold 3:20
- 2 Prophets in the Sky 3:48
- 3 Steal the Light 3:45
- 4 Am I Wrong 3:01
- 5 Wild Animals 4:02
- 6 Still Young 4:18
- 7 Like a Drum 4:39
- 8 Open Up Your Face 4:24
- 9 Go 3:25
- 10 Sleep Won't Sleep 4:43
- 11 Don't Throw Your Hands Up 4:08
- 12 All Night Loud 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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