Is The Blue Hour a good place to start with Suede?

Yes, The Blue Hour is recommended as a starting point for new Suede listeners. A lush tapestry of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that transport listeners through a haunting landscape of emotion. Released on January 1, 2018, The Blue Hour is Suede's eighth studio album and marks their first release since the band's reunion in 2010. Positioned as a follow-up to their 2013 album Bloodsports, it showcases a continued evolution in their sound while reflecting mature themes of loss and longing.

Who is The Blue Hour for?

The Blue Hour works well if you're into dreamlike introspection during twilight, wave-like pacing with emotional peaks and haunting melodies for reflective moments.

How many songs are on The Blue Hour?

The Blue Hour has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

The Blue Hour

Suede · 2018

51 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that transport listeners through a haunting landscape of emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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As One Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping instrumentation and reflective lyrics about unity amidst chaos, establishing the emotional core of the record.
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Cold Hands — The song blends an urgent rhythm with poignant lyrics that evoke feelings of vulnerability and connection, highlighting Suede's ability to merge personal themes with broader societal observations.
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Don't Be Afraid If Nobody Loves You — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates a central theme of isolation and acceptance, resonating deeply within the album's overall narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends lush arrangements with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship but with some conventional elements.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and slower tracks.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, adding depth to the arrangements and enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and introspective themes, creating a narrative that unfolds across the album's duration.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

dreamlike introspection during twilight
wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
haunting melodies for reflective moments
captivating journey through melancholia

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance after a lengthy discography.
Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, The Blue Hour is Suede's eighth studio album and marks their first release since the band's reunion in 2010. Positioned as a follow-up to their 2013 album Bloodsports, it showcases a continued evolution in their sound while reflecting mature themes of loss and longing.
Stylistic neighbors: Pulp· The Verve· Placebo

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Mistress

An unexpected shift occurs when the narrator confronts their own desires directly, breaking from previous reflections.

This moment signifies a critical turning point in the narrative, showcasing a raw honesty that contrasts with earlier ambiguity.