The Next Best Thing
Ray Wilson · 2004
45 min · 12 tracks · rock music
Melodic rock anthems intertwine introspective lyrics with emotive vocals, creating a nuanced exploration of personal and universal themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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These Are the Changes — This opening track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics about personal growth and change, showcasing Wilson's emotional vocal delivery.
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Alone — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates themes of isolation and vulnerability, making it a standout moment on the album.
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The Next Best Thing — The title track ties together the album's overarching narrative of seeking fulfillment amidst uncertainty, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and emotive vocals but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often explore introspective themes, with a notable shift in tone from personal reflection to broader societal commentary across the tracklist.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- melodic anthems for reflection
- introspective themes for quiet moments
- uplifting energy for evening drives
- thoughtful lyrics for solo listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefering purely instrumental tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, The Next Best Thing marked Ray Wilson's first solo album after his time with the band Stiltskin, which had gained fame in the mid-1990s. This release came a few years after Wilson's departure from Genesis, positioning him as an artist carving out his own identity within the rock genre. It represents a significant step in his transition from a band member to a solo artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fish· Steve Hackett· Porcupine Tree
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How High
The song features a bridge that shifts in perspective to reflect on aspirations and the struggle to attain them.
This structural change emphasizes the internal conflict between ambition and reality, illustrating Wilson's lyrical depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 These Are the Changes 3:36
- 2 Inside 4:02
- 3 How High 3:33
- 4 The Fool in Me 3:23
- 5 Adolescent Breakdown 2:54
- 6 Sometimes 3:27
- 7 Alone 4:14
- 8 Magic Train 3:32
- 9 The Actor 4:39
- 10 Ever the Reason 4:09
- 11 Pumpkinhead 4:06
- 12 The Next Best Thing 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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