Suspended By Stars cover

Released 20 years ago

Suspended By Stars

The Wonder Stuff · 2006

49 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A melodic blend of alternative rock with introspective lyrics and a vibrant, infectious energy that captures life's complexities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    We Hold Each Other Up — This track embodies the album's themes of solidarity and resilience, featuring anthemic choruses that uplift and engage listeners.
  • →
    Angelica Maybe — An extended exploration of emotional vulnerability, the song showcases intricate instrumentation and deep introspective lyrics that highlight the band's growth.
  • →
    Say It Ain't So — With its punchy rhythm and catchy hooks, this track serves as a perfect example of The Wonder Stuff's ability to blend humor with serious undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal reflection, contributing to an introspective tone throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady pacing for thoughtful listening
  • introspective themes for reflection
  • melodic anthems for sing-alongs
  • consistent journey with varied dynamics

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek purely upbeat party music

Where this album fits

Career context
Suspended By Stars is The Wonder Stuff's fifth studio album, released during a time when the band was rediscovering their sound after a hiatus. Following their previous album, Escape from Rubbish Island in 1994, this release marked their return to the music scene, showcasing a matured songwriting approach while retaining their signature charm.
Stylistic neighbors
Ned's Atomic Dustbin· James· The Charlatans

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tricks of the Trade 4:03
  • 2 Last Second of the Minute 3:27
  • 3 We Hold Each Other Up 4:51
  • 4 Blah Blah, Lah Di Dah 3:47
  • 5 Say It Ain't So 3:05
  • 6 Angelica Maybe 7:01
  • 7 The Sun Goes Down on Manor Road 3:53
  • 8 Long Time No See 4:09
  • 9 The Popular Choice 2:26
  • 10 Give Us What We Want 3:04
  • 11 Someone Tell Me What to Think 4:06
  • 12 No One Tells 'em Like You Do 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata