Ugly Is Beautiful cover

Ugly Is Beautiful

Oliver Tree · 2020

37 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative pop and hip-hop that balances playful melodies with introspective themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Alien Boy — This track encapsulates the album's theme of feeling out of place, combining haunting melodies with lyrics that confront isolation and self-identity.
  • →
    Let Me Down — With its catchy hook and relatable lyrics about disappointment, this song highlights the emotional depth woven throughout the album.
  • →
    Miracle Man — This track stands out for its upbeat energy while addressing themes of self-doubt and resilience, making it a quintessential part of the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres effectively but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate hip-hop elements, such as rhythmic vocal delivery and electronic beats, while others lean more towards alternative rock instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often juxtapose playful melodies with darker themes, creating a contrast that invites deeper reflection from the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective energy
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • introspective lyrics with playful edge
  • for casual background play

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking longer immersive experiences
  • prefer complex sonic explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2020, Ugly Is Beautiful is Oliver Tree's debut studio album after establishing himself with viral hits and EPs. This album marked a significant step in his career as he transitioned from singles to a full-length project, showcasing his eclectic style and personal narrative.
Stylistic neighbors
Lauv· Tones and I· Billie Eilish

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Hurt

    The writing shifts from describing pain to inviting the listener into an intimate reflection on personal struggles.

    This transition deepens the connection with the audience by moving from observation to vulnerability, enhancing the emotional weight of the track.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Me, Myself & I 2:53
  • 2 1993 2:39
  • 3 Cash Machine 2:56
  • 4 Let Me Down 1:51
  • 5 Miracle Man 2:05
  • 6 Bury Me Alive 2:44
  • 7 Alien Boy 2:44
  • 8 Joke’s on You! 3:11
  • 9 Again & Again 2:54
  • 10 Waste My Time 3:27
  • 11 Jerk 2:15
  • 12 Hurt 2:25
  • 13 Introspective 2:16
  • 14 I’m Gone 3:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata