The Curse of Love
The Coral · 2014
40 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting tapestry of melodic indie rock interwoven with introspective lyrics and an ethereal soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wrapped in Blue — This track encapsulates the album's introspective nature with its lush melodies and poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's evolution towards a more mature sound.
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The Watcher in the Distance — With its haunting instrumentation and layered vocals, this song exemplifies the atmospheric depth of the album while exploring themes of longing and reflection.
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Nine Times the Colour Red — This track stands out for its rhythmic complexity and lyrical vividness, blending elements of folk and rock into a compelling narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases mature songwriting and atmospheric production, creating a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a two-part title track that bookends the record, creating a thematic unity.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with ethereal guitar effects and ambient synths enhancing the introspective lyrics.
- The tempo varies throughout, with some songs maintaining a steady pace while others shift to more reflective, slower moments.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- haunting melodies for reflective moments
- steady pacing with gentle shifts
- atmospheric journey through nostalgia
- for quiet evening introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a shift in sound after a hiatus, diverging from previous styles.
- Career context
- Released in early 2014, The Curse of Love marked The Coral's return after a hiatus since their last studio album, Butterfly House in 2010. This album represents a shift in their sound, moving towards more contemplative themes and atmospheric arrangements while still retaining their signature melodic sensibility.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Verve· The Beta Band· The La's
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Curse of Love, Part 1 3:14
- 2 Wrapped in Blue 3:08
- 3 You Closed the Door 3:51
- 4 The Second Self 2:32
- 5 View From the Mirror 3:29
- 6 The Watcher in the Distance 4:50
- 7 Gently 3:11
- 8 Willow Song 3:22
- 9 The Golden Bough 3:29
- 10 The Game 3:09
- 11 Nine Times the Colour Red 2:51
- 12 The Curse of Love, Part 2 2:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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