The World I Want to Leave Behind cover

The World I Want to Leave Behind

Moneen · 2009

44 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

Energetic punk rock melodies collide with introspective lyrics, creating an anthemic yet reflective soundscape throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The World I Want to Leave Behind — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its urgent pace and lyrical urgency, encapsulating the central themes of self-reflection and desire for change.
  • →
    Great Escape — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song highlights the band's ability to blend emotional depth with infectious melodies, making it a standout anthem.
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    Redefine — This track delves into themes of identity and transformation, showcasing Moneen's lyrical prowess while maintaining their signature punk energy.
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    The Long Count — A more contemplative moment on the album, this track juxtaposes mellow instrumentation with introspective lyrics, demonstrating the band's range and depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic punk melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing a solid but not composition.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
  • Several songs incorporate layered guitar harmonies and dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of longing and introspection, with a focus on personal experiences rather than broader social issues.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative reflective moments

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 15, 2009, The World I Want to Leave Behind marked Moneen's fourth studio album during a time of transition for the band. Following their 2006 release, The Red Tree, this album showcased a maturation in their sound while navigating lineup changes and evolving musical influences.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Believe

    The bridge shifts perspective from collective doubts to an individual affirmation of hope.

    This shift creates an intimate connection that contrasts with previous sections, emphasizing personal belief amidst broader struggles.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The World I Want to Leave Behind 1:57
  • 2 Hold That Sound 3:18
  • 3 Great Escape 3:13
  • 4 Believe 3:31
  • 5 Redefine 3:26
  • 6 The Way 4:18
  • 7 The Long Count 3:53
  • 8 The Monument 2:42
  • 9 Waterfalls 3:45
  • 10 Red Eyes 4:10
  • 11 Lighters 4:10
  • 12 The Glasshouse 6:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata