What makes The Community of Hope by PJ Harvey notable?

This album received significant acclaim, with critics praising its bold commentary on American society and politics. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize and marked Harvey's continued influence on the alternative rock scene, resonating particularly during a politically charged era. The Community of Hope is PJ Harvey's ninth studio album, released in 2016 as a follow-up to her critically acclaimed record, Let England Shake. At this point in her career, Harvey was recognized for her fearless approaches to songwriting and her ability to address social and political themes with nuance and artistry.

How many songs are on The Community of Hope?

The Community of Hope has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

The Community of Hope

PJ Harvey · 2016

2 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A biting exploration of contemporary issues wrapped in stark, minimalist instrumentation and PJ Harvey's haunting vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Community of Hope — The title track serves as a powerful commentary on the socio-political landscape of America, capturing the essence of the album’s themes through vivid imagery and sharp critique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The song combines solid writing with effective production, making it engaging but not.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
The song's structure alternates between verses and a repeated chorus, creating a sense of familiarity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The album continues the bold commentary established in Let England Shake, showcasing artistic ambition.
Career context: The Community of Hope is PJ Harvey's ninth studio album, released in 2016 as a follow-up to her critically acclaimed record, Let England Shake. At this point in her career, Harvey was recognized for her fearless approaches to songwriting and her ability to address social and political themes with nuance and artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent