Third Degree cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Third Degree

Flying Colors · 2019

66 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

Progressive rock textures intertwine with melodic hooks and intricate musicianship, creating a vibrant auditory journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Last Train Home — This track stands out for its captivating blend of urgency and reflection, featuring soaring melodies that encapsulate the album's emotional core.
  • →
    Guardian — With its intricate arrangement and powerful vocal delivery, this song addresses themes of protection and support, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • →
    You Are Not Alone — The heartfelt lyrics combined with lush instrumentation create a sense of solace and connection, making it a highlight of the album's thematic exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate musicianship and cohesive themes, making it a solid entry in progressive rock.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow build, layering instruments gradually before reaching a full sound by the end of the song.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that showcase each member's virtuosity, particularly in guitar and keyboard solos.
  • Lyrically, the themes often explore introspection and personal growth, with recurring motifs that tie the songs together.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • gradual build to emotional climax
  • patient exploration with rewarding depth
  • introspective moments for quiet reflection
  • engaging melodies for focused listening
  • late-night journeys through soundscapes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 4, 2019, Third Degree is the third studio album by Flying Colors, following their acclaimed 2014 release, Second Nature. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation for blending progressive rock with accessible songwriting, showcasing the collective talents of its members who had previously enjoyed success in other projects.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Loss Inside 5:51
  • 2 More 7:09
  • 3 Cadence 7:40
  • 4 Guardian 7:11
  • 5 Last Train Home 10:32
  • 6 Geronimo 5:20
  • 7 You Are Not Alone 6:21
  • 8 Love Letter 5:10
  • 9 Crawl 11:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata