The Love of Hopeless Causes
New Model Army · 1993
38 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of post-punk intensity and melodic rock that explores themes of conflict and existentialism.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Here Comes the War — This opening track sets the tone with urgent lyrics about impending conflict, combining aggressive instrumentation with a haunting melody that encapsulates the album's themes.
-
→
Living in the Rose — The track contrasts personal reflection with broader societal issues, showcasing the band's ability to weave intimate storytelling with political commentary through compelling dynamics.
-
→
Bad Old World — This closing track delivers an introspective examination of disillusionment and hope, leaving listeners with a poignant message delivered through stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intensity and melody while exploring socio-political themes, but its cohesion dips towards the end.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a driving rhythm and layered guitars that set a tense atmosphere, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a dynamic contrast in vocal delivery.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, with 'Afternoon Song' featuring a prominent acoustic guitar that shifts the mood towards introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective listening
- gritty energy for thoughtful moments
- engaging narratives to ponder
- afternoon moods of quiet contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established wider recognition following the success of Thunder and Consolation.
- Career context
- Released in 1993, The Love of Hopeless Causes marked New Model Army's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed album, Thunder and Consolation. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the alternative rock scene while grappling with evolving musical influences and personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cult· Killing Joke· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here Comes the War 4:28
- 2 Fate 3:20
- 3 Living in the Rose 3:48
- 4 White Light 4:43
- 5 Believe It 4:01
- 6 Understand U 3:33
- 7 My People 4:38
- 8 These Words 3:36
- 9 Afternoon Song 2:34
- 10 Bad Old World 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.