The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte cover

The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte

Sparks · 2023

47 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of art rock and pop, infused with sharp wit and playful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte — This title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of everyday melancholy through catchy hooks and playful lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is — With its introspective lyrics and infectious melody, this track highlights the band's signature blend of irony and sincerity, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    We Go Dancing — This upbeat song captures the essence of joy amidst uncertainty, showcasing Sparks' ability to combine danceable rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 80% of albums we've rated

The album features clever songwriting and playful melodies, maintaining Sparks' distinctive sound.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Escalator', which shifts from a slow build to an upbeat chorus.
  • The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and humor, particularly in 'The Mona Lisa’s Packing, Leaving Late Tonight'.
  • The final track concludes with a whimsical fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of playfulness.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical melodies with sharp lyrics
  • mid-tempo flow for easy listening
  • for afternoon pick-me-ups
  • vibrant soundscape reflecting disillusionment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, high-energy music
  • seek deep emotional introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues Sparks' unique sound, showcasing their creativity after a six-year gap.
Career context
Released on May 26, 2023, The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte marks Sparks' first studio album in six years, following the critically acclaimed Hippopotamus. Positioned as a continuation of their unique sound, the album showcases the band's enduring creativity and charm as they navigate the contemporary music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
They Might Be Giants· Devo· XTC

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte 2:56
  • 2 Veronica Lake 3:02
  • 3 Nothing Is as Good as They Say It Is 3:13
  • 4 Escalator 2:57
  • 5 The Mona Lisa’s Packing, Leaving Late Tonight 3:33
  • 6 You Were Meant for Me 4:16
  • 7 Not That Well‐Defined 3:29
  • 8 We Go Dancing 3:07
  • 9 When You Leave 4:18
  • 10 Take Me for a Ride 4:08
  • 11 It’s Sunny Today 2:39
  • 12 A Love Story 3:17
  • 13 It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way 3:40
  • 14 Gee, That Was Fun 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata