Released 19 years ago this October
Tillbaka till samtiden
Kent · 2007
53 min · 11 tracks · rock music
Melancholic synth-pop melodies intertwine with introspective rock anthems, creating a poignant reflection on contemporary life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Elefanter Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics about navigating life's complexities, emphasizing themes of anxiety and hope.
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Våga vara rädd — A standout anthem encouraging vulnerability, this song juxtaposes uplifting instrumentals with poignant reflections on fear and self-acceptance, making it relatable and empowering.
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Ensammast i Sverige — Closing the album with an emotional weight, this lengthy track delves into feelings of isolation and longing, encapsulating the essence of contemporary struggles within Swedish society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with rich synth arrangements, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, while the second half introduces more subdued and reflective pieces.
- Several songs incorporate layered synths that create a lush backdrop for the vocals, enhancing the melancholic tone.
- The lyrics often explore themes of isolation and existential reflection, with a consistent use of metaphor across multiple tracks.
- 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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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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative late-night moods
- introspective emotional reflections
- steady pacing throughout album
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic moment with emotional depth and complex themes.
- Themes
- Swedish isolation· generation disillusionment· societal critique
- Career context
- Released on October 17, 2007, Tillbaka till samtiden marked Kent's eighth studio album during a period of commercial success following their breakthrough with the album Du & jag döden in 2005. By this time, the band had solidified their status in the Swedish music scene, showcasing a blend of rock and electronic influences while addressing themes of nostalgia and societal change.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Interpol· M83
Tracklist
- 1 Elefanter Start here 5:21
- 2 Berlin 4:36
- 3 Ingenting 4:17
- 4 Vid din sida 4:58
- 5 Columbus 4:29
- 6 Sömnen 4:08
- 7 Vy från ett luftslott 4:25
- 8 Våga vara rädd 4:00
- 9 LSD, någon? 4:20
- 10 Generation ex 4:30
- 11 Ensammast i Sverige 8:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Boxer
The National
Shares a contemplative atmosphere and introspective lyrics reflecting on modern life's disillusionments.
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Combines synth-driven melodies with existential themes, exploring societal critique and emotional depth.
Wounded Rhymes
Lykke Li
Features a blend of synth-pop and introspective lyrics, addressing themes of love and disconnection in modern life.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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