The Double Cross
Sloan · 2011
34 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant collection of power pop anthems infused with clever lyrics and energetic instrumentation that captures Sloan's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Follow the Leader — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and catchy chorus, encapsulating Sloan's knack for memorable melodies.
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Unkind — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts between soft verses and explosive choruses, this track showcases the band's lyrical depth and musical versatility.
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Green Gardens, Cold Montreal — This brief yet poignant song captures a sense of longing and nostalgia through vivid imagery and a delicate arrangement, highlighting Sloan's songwriting prowess.
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Beverley Terrace — This track features a playful narrative style and engaging harmonies, making it emblematic of Sloan's ability to blend wit with catchy pop sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases catchy songwriting with varied tempos but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower songs that create a contrast.
- Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and guitar riffs that are characteristic of power pop, particularly in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quick bursts of infectious energy
- sharp lyrical wit throughout
- for sing-along moments
- ideal for upbeat afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- preference for lengthy explorations
- seeking deep introspective themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2011, The Double Cross marked Sloan's sixth studio album, following their 2008 effort, Parallel Play. By this point in their career, the band had established themselves as a staple in the Canadian rock scene, blending melodic hooks with a variety of stylistic influences while continuing to evolve their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Big Star· The Posies· Matthew Sweet
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Unkind
The song shifts from reflecting on personal experiences to addressing broader themes of regret and accountability.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Follow the Leader 2:56
- 2 The Answer Was You 2:18
- 3 Unkind 4:15
- 4 Shadow of Love 2:04
- 5 She's Slowin' Down Again 3:05
- 6 Green Gardens, Cold Montreal 2:01
- 7 It's Plain to See 1:57
- 8 Your Daddy Will Do 3:04
- 9 I've Gotta Know 1:22
- 10 Beverley Terrace 3:01
- 11 Traces 4:58
- 12 Laying So Low 2:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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