The Trick to Life
The Hoosiers · 2007
39 min · 11 tracks · Britpop
Catchy melodies and witty lyrics blend with an upbeat Britpop sound that captures the essence of mid-2000s indie music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Worried About Ray — This track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its infectious chorus and clever lyrics about anxiety and social interactions.
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Goodbye Mr A — With its upbeat tempo and engaging narrative, this song highlights the band’s knack for storytelling amidst a catchy melody.
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Cops and Robbers — The song combines a lively rhythm with sharp observations on societal issues, showcasing the band's unique blend of humor and commentary.
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Clinging on for Life — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on vulnerability, balancing upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines catchy melodies with varied lyrical themes but lacks depth for lasting engagement.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature playful shifts in dynamics, such as 'Goodbye Mr A,' which contrasts quieter verses with explosive choruses.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- upbeat reflections on life's quirks
- steady pacing for casual listening
- bright melodies for cheerful moods
- playful energy for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective tracks
- seek deep, complex narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 22, 2007, The Trick to Life was The Hoosiers' debut album, following their formation in 2003. At this point, they were emerging from the underground scene, having gained attention through local performances and early singles. This album marked their transition into mainstream success, establishing their presence in the Britpop genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Feeling· Scouting for Girls· Kaiser Chiefs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Worried About Ray 2:46
- 2 Worst Case Scenario 2:35
- 3 Run Rabbit Run 3:13
- 4 Goodbye Mr A 4:27
- 5 A Sadness Runs Through Him 3:13
- 6 Clinging on for Life 2:39
- 7 Cops and Robbers 4:00
- 8 Everything Goes Dark 3:37
- 9 Killer 3:49
- 10 The Trick to Life 2:49
- 11 Money to Be Made / The Feeling You Get When 6:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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