What makes Things We Lost in the Fire by Bastille notable?

The album's title track gained significant recognition, charting in multiple countries and solidifying Bastille's place in the synth-pop genre. Its poignant exploration of loss resonated widely, contributing to widespread critical acclaim and enhancing the band's reputation within the music industry. Released on August 26, 2013, 'Things We Lost in the Fire' came as Bastille's follow-up to their debut album, 'Bad Blood'. At this point in their career, the band was experiencing a surge in popularity, bolstered by the success of singles that had dominated charts earlier that year.

How many songs are on Things We Lost in the Fire?

Things We Lost in the Fire has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Things We Lost in the Fire

Bastille · 2013

7 min · 2 tracks · synth-pop

Ethereal synths and driving beats intertwine with introspective lyrics to create a hauntingly atmospheric sonic landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Things We Lost in the Fire — This track encapsulates the album's theme of loss through its vivid imagery and emotional depth, serving as a powerful centerpiece for the project.
→
Icarus (live from Queens' College, Cambridge) — The live rendition showcases Bastille's ability to translate their studio sound into an engaging performance, emphasizing their lyrical storytelling and connection with the audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong atmospheric elements but lacks depth in composition and cohesion due to its brevity.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady build-up of layered synths that create an atmospheric backdrop, while the vocals deliver introspective lyrics.
The live track 'Icarus' presents a stripped-down arrangement, emphasizing vocal delivery and acoustic instrumentation.
The single has a runtime of just over four minutes, allowing for a concise exploration of its themes without overstaying its welcome.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The title track solidified Bastille's recognition in the synth-pop genre.
Themes: nostalgic resilience· Cambridge live energy
Career context: Released on August 26, 2013, 'Things We Lost in the Fire' came as Bastille's follow-up to their debut album, 'Bad Blood'. At this point in their career, the band was experiencing a surge in popularity, bolstered by the success of singles that had dominated charts earlier that year.
Stylistic neighbors: Chvrches· M83· Ellie Goulding