This Business of Art
Tegan and Sara · 2000
35 min · 11 tracks · indie pop
A raw blend of indie pop and rock infused with candid lyrics reflecting the struggles of youth and artistic ambition.
Top tracks — play these first
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The First Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Proud — This track captures the essence of self-acceptance and pride, showcasing the duo's ability to convey deep emotion through catchy melodies.
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Frozen — With its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, this song highlights the duo's knack for blending vulnerability with strong musical hooks.
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Superstar — This track stands out for its upbeat energy and commentary on fame, making it a memorable anthem that reflects both personal ambition and industry critique.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and vocal interplay, with a mix of tempos and themes that hold together well.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat and introspective.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a sense of closure as the album progresses toward its conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- short, engaging listening sessions
- contemplative moments of reflection
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish their reputation and gain wider recognition.
- Themes
- young adulthood complexities· identity celebration· emotional disconnect
- Career context
- This Business of Art is Tegan and Sara's second album, following their self-titled debut. Released in 2000, it marked a period of emerging recognition for the duo as they began to establish their unique sound and lyrical voice in the indie music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Concretes· Jenny Lewis· Chvrches
Tracklist
- 1 The First Start here 3:13
- 2 Proud 2:50
- 3 Frozen 2:44
- 4 Hype 3:29
- 5 My Number 4:11
- 6 All You Got 3:00
- 7 Freedom 2:42
- 8 Not With You 3:01
- 9 More for Me 3:06
- 10 Come On 3:07
- 11 Superstar 3:46
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Say I Am You
The Weepies
Shares candid storytelling and a raw emotional palette about relationships and identity.
Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie
Explores themes of emotional disconnect and longing with a similarly introspective lyrical style.
More Adventurous
Rilo Kiley
Combines indie rock sensibilities with personal lyrics reflecting youth's complexities and ambitions.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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