Three Cheers for the Broken-Hearted cover

Three Cheers for the Broken-Hearted

Glass Hammer · 2009

51 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

A tapestry of intricate melodies and harmonies weaving through themes of heartache and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Come On, Come On Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    The Lure of Dreams — This track features rich instrumentation and a haunting melody that embodies the album's exploration of dreams versus reality, making it a standout representation of their artistic vision.
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    A Bitter Wind — With its introspective lyrics and evocative soundscapes, this song captures the essence of vulnerability and longing, resonating deeply with listeners.
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    Schrodinger’s Lament — Incorporating philosophical themes into its narrative, this track showcases the band's ability to blend complex ideas with accessible music, highlighting their unique approach within the genre.
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    Hyperbole — The longest track on the album, it offers an expansive journey through varied musical sections that reflect the highs and lows of human emotion, making it a microcosm of the album itself.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements typical of progressive rock, appealing to dedicated fans.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and thematic development.
  • The use of layered vocal harmonies is prominent, often intertwining with intricate keyboard and guitar solos throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • introspective waves of emotion
  • lush soundscapes for reflection
  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • thoughtful exploration of heartache

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its ambitious composition and lyrical depth.
Career context
By the time Glass Hammer released 'Three Cheers for the Broken-Hearted' in 2009, they were already a well-established name in the progressive rock scene, having formed in 1992. This album marked their tenth studio release, showcasing their continued evolution and mastery of complex musical arrangements while exploring more personal lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
The Flower Kings· Spock's Beard· Yes

Tracklist

  • 1 Come On, Come On Start here 3:37
  • 2 The Lure of Dreams 5:52
  • 3 A Rose for Emily 3:09
  • 4 Sleep On 4:06
  • 5 The Mid-Life Weird 3:54
  • 6 A Bitter Wind 4:35
  • 7 The Curse They Weave 4:30
  • 8 Sun Down Shores 4:35
  • 9 Schrodinger’s Lament 5:12
  • 10 Hyperbole 7:38
  • 11 Falling 4:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata