The Remote Part
Idlewild · 2002
38 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of soaring melodies and introspective lyrics, merging alternative rock with a touch of Scottish poignancy.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Held the World in Your Arms — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and vivid imagery of longing and connection, encapsulating the emotional core of the album.
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American English — With its catchy hooks and critique of cultural identity, this song represents Idlewild's ability to blend thoughtful lyrics with accessible melodies.
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(I Am) What I Am Not — This track features a compelling juxtaposition of self-exploration against pulsating rhythms, showcasing their lyrical depth and musical evolution.
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In Remote Part / Scottish Fiction — As a poignant closing track, it ties together themes of identity and belonging, blending acoustic elements with emotive storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic rock with introspective moments, showcasing strong melodies but uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a high energy that persists until the fourth track.
- The album incorporates varied instrumentation, including strings and piano, particularly noticeable in the ballads like 'I Never Wanted'.
- Several tracks shift dynamics abruptly, such as 'Live in a Hiding Place', which transitions from quiet verses to a powerful chorus.
- 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
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, consistent energy levels
- introspective lyrical reflections
- short, engaging listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Remote Part was Idlewild's fourth studio album, released in 2002 after the commercial success of their previous album, 100 Broken Windows. This release marked a shift towards a more melodic sound, appealing to a broader audience while retaining their lyrical complexity. The album solidified their status as key players in the British alternative rock scene during the early 2000s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Biffy Clyro· The Maccabees· We Are Scientists
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Held the World in Your Arms 3:21
- 2 A Modern Way of Letting Go 2:22
- 3 American English 4:34
- 4 I Never Wanted 3:55
- 5 (I Am) What I Am Not 2:43
- 6 Live in a Hiding Place 3:16
- 7 Out of Routine 3:09
- 8 Century After Century 4:01
- 9 Tell Me Ten Words 3:46
- 10 Stay the Same 3:10
- 11 In Remote Part / Scottish Fiction 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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