Released 20 years ago
The Cost
The Frames · 2006
43 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic alternative rock intertwines poignant lyrics with lush instrumentation, creating an atmospheric landscape of longing and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Falling Slowly — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its haunting melody and tender lyrics, serving as a cornerstone of The Frames' identity.
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When Your Mind's Made Up — The song builds an emotional crescendo that showcases the band's ability to blend vulnerability with powerful instrumentation, making it a highlight of the album.
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The Cost — The title track reflects on themes of sacrifice and loss, distilling the album's overarching narrative into a poignant musical experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong melodies with lush arrangements, though its pacing varies significantly across tracks.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and introspective themes.
- Several tracks utilize layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The song 'Falling Slowly' is structured around a call-and-response dynamic between male and female vocals, emphasizing its lyrical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady emotional progression throughout
- reflective journey through loss
- ethereal melodies for introspection
- ideal for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Cost is The Frames' fifth studio album, released during a time when they were gaining international recognition after the success of their previous album, Burn the Maps. This record marked a significant moment in their career as they transitioned from a cult favorite to a more mainstream audience, particularly following the Oscar-winning exposure of 'Falling Slowly' in the film Once.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Swell Season· Damien Rice· Snow Patrol
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Falling Slowly
The verses shift from uncertainty to commitment emphasizes a sense of hope amidst struggle.
This transition mirrors the song's thematic journey from doubt to clarity, enhancing its emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Song for Someone 5:36
- 2 Falling Slowly 4:35
- 3 People Get Ready 5:28
- 4 Rise 3:26
- 5 When Your Mind's Made Up 3:44
- 6 Sad Songs 3:09
- 7 The Cost 4:20
- 8 True 5:14
- 9 The Side You Never Get to See 3:40
- 10 Bad Bone 4:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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