This Is Not the World
The Futureheads · 2008
39 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A sharp, driving blend of angular guitars and harmonized vocals encapsulating the urgency of indie punk rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Beginning of the Twist — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and clever lyrical play, showcasing the band's signature harmonies and rhythmic drive.
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Sale of the Century — The track's commentary on consumerism resonates through its catchy hooks and urgent delivery, embodying the album's themes of disillusionment.
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This Is Not the World — As the title track, it encapsulates the band's critique of societal norms with a powerful chorus that highlights their signature vocal interplay.
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Work Is Never Done — This song combines a driving beat with introspective lyrics about perpetual dissatisfaction, illustrating the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with deeper themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks some depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving tempos and angular guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the urgency and engagement of the tracks.
- The album's production is characterized by tight arrangements and a polished sound, with layered harmonies throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- thoughtful introspective moments
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, This Is Not the World represents The Futureheads' third studio album following their self-titled debut and the sophomore effort News and Tributes. At this point in their career, they were navigating the mainstream indie scene after a series of successful singles and had begun to refine their sound while still maintaining their energetic punk influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Franz Ferdinand· Bloc Party· The Rakes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Sale of the Century
The song features a moment where it shifts from an upbeat tempo to a more reflective sound, emphasizing a sense of urgency about consumer culture.
This shift not only enhances the emotional weight but also mirrors the internal conflict between desire and disillusionment present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Beginning of the Twist 3:36
- 2 Walking Backwards 3:52
- 3 Think Tonight 3:28
- 4 Radio Heart 3:02
- 5 This Is Not the World 3:34
- 6 Sale of the Century 3:22
- 7 Hard to Bear 3:06
- 8 Work Is Never Done 3:19
- 9 Broke Up the Time 3:14
- 10 Everything’s Changing Today 3:05
- 11 Sleet 3:08
- 12 See What You Want 2:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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