Released 20 years ago
Those the Brokes
The Magic Numbers · 2006
64 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant blend of melodic harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of indie pop and rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Is a Song — Opening the album with an infectious energy, this track encapsulates the band's signature sound through its catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation.
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Slow Down (The Way It Goes) — With its reflective lyrics and soothing melody, this track stands out for its emotional depth and showcases the band's ability to blend introspection with accessible pop sensibilities.
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Runnin' Out — This song features layered harmonies and a driving rhythm that highlight the band's musical cohesion, making it a standout representation of their growth as artists.
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Take Me or Leave Me — The track's candid exploration of relationship dynamics is matched by its engaging melody, exemplifying the balance between lyrical honesty and musicality that defines the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and harmonies but lacks a cohesive flow in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a contrasting dynamic.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocals between the male and female singers, enhancing the harmonic richness throughout the record.
- The lyrics often explore themes of love and introspection, with a notable use of metaphor in tracks like 'Slow Down (The Way It Goes)' and 'Let Somebody In'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- melodic harmonies for road trips
- reflective moments during solitude
- heartfelt lyrics for emotional release
- upbeat tracks for casual gatherings
- patient developments with soothing vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Those the Brokes is The Magic Numbers' sophomore album, following their self-titled debut in 2005. Released in January 2006, the band was still riding the wave of their initial success, aiming to further establish their sound and expand their audience with this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Belle and Sebastian· The Shins· Frightened Rabbit
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Never Had It
The bridge where a sudden shift in perspective reveals a moment of vulnerability, contrasting earlier bravado in the song.
This change not only deepens the emotional stakes but also underscores the complexity of personal relationships explored throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Is a Song 5:21
- 2 You Never Had It 2:58
- 3 Take a Chance 3:32
- 4 Carl's Song 5:29
- 5 Boy 4:01
- 6 Undecided 6:37
- 7 Slow Down (The Way It Goes) 6:56
- 8 Most of the Time 5:09
- 9 Take Me or Leave Me 4:41
- 10 Let Somebody In 3:33
- 11 Runnin' Out 5:02
- 12 All I See 4:10
- 13 Goodnight 6:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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