These Times
The Dream Syndicate · 2019
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that encapsulates the essence of modern alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Put Some Miles On — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and reflective lyrics about personal growth and endurance, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
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Bullet Holes — With its infectious melody and poignant lyrics addressing societal issues, this song captures the band's ability to merge personal narratives with broader commentary.
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The Whole World’s Watching — The closing track features expansive instrumentation and a contemplative tone, effectively summing up the album's exploration of contemporary anxieties and hopes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic instrumentals with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting but lacking a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm and jangly guitars that persist through the first half, creating an energetic atmosphere.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumentation, enhancing the lyrical themes.
- The tempo varies significantly, with tracks like 'Bullet Holes' slowing down to create a reflective mood before picking up again.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
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 mid-tempo groove throughout
- reflective moments for introspection
- for leisurely drives
- uplifting energy for daily routines
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
- seek purely upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- 'These Times' is The Dream Syndicate's first studio album in over three decades, following their 1988 release 'Ghost Stories'. As a significant comeback, it marked a rejuvenation of their sound while embracing contemporary themes, showcasing the band's evolution since their influential role in the 1980s paisley underground scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Velvet Underground· Spacemen 3· My Bloody Valentine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Way In 2:41
- 2 Put Some Miles On 4:00
- 3 Black Light 4:40
- 4 Bullet Holes 4:02
- 5 Still Here Now 4:08
- 6 Speedway 3:16
- 7 Recovery Mode 3:52
- 8 The Whole World’s Watching 5:50
- 9 Space Age 3:08
- 10 Treading Water Underneath the Stars 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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