The Ultra Vivid Lament
Manic Street Preachers · 2021
52 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective tapestry of melodic alt-rock infused with poignant lyrics and lush instrumentation, exploring themes of loss and hope.
Top tracks — play these first
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Still Snowing in Sapporo Start here — This opening track sets a contemplative tone for the album, blending atmospheric sounds with personal reflections that draw the listener into the band's emotional landscape.
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Orwellian — A standout track that combines sharp political commentary with an infectious melody, illustrating the band's ability to weave critical social observations into accessible music.
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Into the Waves of Love — This song encapsulates the album's core theme of longing and connection, featuring heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply amidst its lush instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines reflective lyrics with rich instrumentation, maintaining a cohesive sound while exploring varied themes.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks with a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several songs incorporate lush string arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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
- wistful reflections on life
- steady pacing for contemplation
- introspective moments of solitude
- consistent flow through emotions
- thoughtful listening over quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance after a lengthy career.
- Themes
- Orwellian surveillance· personal loss· post-pandemic reflection
- Moods
- Introspective· Nostalgic
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2021, The Ultra Vivid Lament marks the Manic Street Preachers' thirteenth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2018 record Resistance Is Futile. At this stage in their career, the band continues to evolve musically while maintaining their signature lyrical depth, showcasing a matured sound that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners.
Tracklist
- 1 Still Snowing in Sapporo Start here 6:09
- 2 Orwellian 3:49
- 3 The Secret He Had Missed 3:39
- 4 Quest for Ancient Colour 4:08
- 5 Don’t Let the Night Divide Us 3:42
- 6 Diapause 4:59
- 7 Complicated Illusions 3:23
- 8 Into the Waves of Love 3:10
- 9 Blank Diary Entry 4:38
- 10 Happy Bored Alone 3:09
- 11 Afterending 3:53
- 12 My Drowning World 3:37
- 13 These Dark Roads 3:54
What to play next
Sleep Next to Plastic
2022
Continues the introspective themes with a fresh sonic approach.
Rewind the Film
2013
Sets the stage with similar reflective qualities and orchestral elements.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Sleep Well Beast
The National
Both albums feature orchestral elements and introspective themes of vulnerability and existential reflection.
Giants of All Sizes
Elbow
Shares a contemplative atmosphere with lush arrangements, exploring themes of loss and human connection.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Equally introspective with a blend of orchestral sounds and personal lyrics about grief and identity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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