The Turn cover

The Turn

Live · 2014

49 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A reflective blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, marked by introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Siren's Call Start here — Opening the album, this track sets an emotive tone with its haunting melodies and lyrics that evoke a sense of longing. It encapsulates the band's signature sound while introducing the thematic undercurrents explored throughout the record.
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    Natural Born Killers — This song stands out with its driving rhythm and poignant commentary on societal issues, showcasing Live's ability to blend personal reflection with broader cultural critique. The energetic instrumentation complements its intense lyrical themes.
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    The Strength to Hold On — A powerful ballad, this track illustrates vulnerability and perseverance, making it a highlight for its emotional weight. Its dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and soaring choruses embody the album's exploration of strength in adversity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it above its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and slower tracks.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar textures that create an atmospheric backdrop, particularly in 'The Way Around Is Through' and 'He Could Teach the Devil Tricks'.
  • Lyrically, the album explores personal themes with a focus on resilience, evident in tracks like 'The Strength to Hold On' and 'We Open the Door'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • journey through introspective themes
  • atmospheric soundscapes for solitude
  • gradual emotional build throughout
  • consistent flow for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after hiatus, showing the band's continued relevance and exploration of themes.
Themes
societal critique· introspective longing· strength in adversity
Career context
Released in early 2014, The Turn marked Live's first album in five years and their first since reuniting after a hiatus. This album followed 2006's Birds of Pray and saw the band returning to form with a renewed focus on lyrical depth and sonic exploration amidst lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors
Bush· Pearl Jam· Soundgarden

Tracklist

  • 1 The Siren's Call Start here 4:11
  • 2 Don’t Run to Wait 3:47
  • 3 Natural Born Killers 4:37
  • 4 6310 Rodgerton Dr. 4:09
  • 5 By Design 4:21
  • 6 The Way Around Is Through 4:53
  • 7 Need Tonight 4:12
  • 8 The Strength to Hold On 5:32
  • 9 We Open the Door 4:53
  • 10 He Could Teach the Devil Tricks 4:10
  • 11 Till You Came Around 4:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata