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
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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.
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
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Wasting Light
Foo Fighters
Shares a raw, introspective rock sound with layered instrumentation and themes of resilience.
Vital
Anberlin
Explores similar lyrical depth and emotional weight, blending alternative rock with atmospheric elements.
Fading West
Switchfoot
Combines reflective lyrics and anthemic melodies, addressing personal and societal themes in a melodic rock context.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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