What makes The Constant by I Blame Coco notable?

The Constant received positive reviews for its inventive production and lyrical honesty, reaching the top 40 on the UK Albums Chart. It also helped to solidify Coco Sumner's presence in the music scene, influencing a wave of young female artists exploring similar synth-driven sounds. Released in 2010, The Constant is I Blame Coco's debut album, marking a significant step in Coco Sumner's emergence as a solo artist following her work with the band. At this point, she was establishing her identity separate from her famous father, Sting, showcasing her unique sound and lyrical depth.

How many songs are on The Constant?

The Constant has 14 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 16 years ago this October

The Constant

I Blame Coco · 2010

48 min · 14 tracks

An eclectic blend of synth-pop and new wave influences, layered with introspective lyrics and Coco Sumner's distinctive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Selfmachine — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious melody and exploration of self-identity, encapsulating Coco's artistic vision.
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In Spirit Golden — With its haunting instrumentation and reflective lyrics, this song highlights Coco’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional themes.
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Only Love Can Break Your Heart — A cover of Neil Young’s classic, Coco's version infuses a fresh electronic twist while capturing vulnerability, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth.

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 showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong synth line in 'Selfmachine' that sets a consistent electronic tone throughout.
Many tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'In Spirit Golden', which enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The pacing varies significantly, with tracks like 'Summer Rain' slowing down the tempo before returning to more upbeat songs like 'Party Bag'.
Several songs incorporate unexpected shifts in dynamics, such as 'Please Rewind', which transitions from quiet verses to a more explosive chorus.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Summer Rain

The bridge shifts to a more hopeful tone as it directly references memories tied to seasonal change.

This moment contrasts earlier melancholy verses, employing vivid imagery that connects personal experiences with broader themes of nostalgia and transformation.

Tracklist

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

1 Selfmachine 3:48
2 In Spirit Golden 3:28
3 Quicker 3:02
4 Turn Your Back on Love 3:23
5 Please Rewind 3:22
6 Summer Rain 3:51
7 Playwrite Fate 3:09
8 The Constant 3:31
9 Party Bag 3:34
10 No Smile 3:15
11 Caesar 3:38
12 Only Love Can Break Your Heart 3:05
13 It’s About to Get Worse 4:18
14 Quicker (Rack and Ruin mix) 3:01

What to play next

Go back to

Self Machine

2010

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata