Strung Out in Heaven
The Brian Jonestown Massacre · 1998
47 min · 13 tracks · psychedelic rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of reverb-drenched guitars and haunting melodies that evokes a dreamlike state of introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Going to Hell — This opening track sets a haunting tone with its driving rhythm and melancholic lyrics, encapsulating the album's introspective themes right from the start.
-
→
Jennifer — With its lush instrumentation and emotive vocals, this song beautifully illustrates Newcombe's ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper, darker lyrical content.
-
→
Maybe Tomorrow — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on uncertainty and longing, exemplifying the album's exploration of emotional vulnerability against a backdrop of ethereal soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's lush soundscapes and varied tempos create an engaging yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of reverb on guitars, creating a lush soundscape that permeates nearly every track.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that contribute to the dreamlike quality of the music.
- The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a steady pace while others shift dramatically, affecting the overall flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Significant within its genre. 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
- dreamy soundscapes for introspection
- nostalgic melodies for reflection
- late-night contemplation sessions
- short bursts of emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Strung Out in Heaven is the fourth studio album by The Brian Jonestown Massacre, arriving after the band's notable breakthrough with their previous release, Thank God for Mental Illness. By 1998, frontman Anton Newcombe was navigating the complexities of fame and artistic expression, confronting both personal and professional challenges while solidifying their unique sound within the psychedelic rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Dandy Warhols· Tame Impala· Spiritualized
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Going to Hell 2:58
- 2 Let's Pretend It's Summer 3:37
- 3 Wasting Away 3:13
- 4 Jennifer 3:31
- 5 Got My Eye on You 3:10
- 6 Nothing to Lose 2:52
- 7 Love 3:53
- 8 Maybe Tomorrow 4:13
- 9 Spun 4:14
- 10 I've Been Waiting 4:24
- 11 Dawn 2:13
- 12 Lantern 3:26
- 13 Wisdom 5:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.