Unwanted
Pale Waves · 2022
39 min · 13 tracks · indie pop
Bright synths blend with heartfelt lyrics and punchy rhythms, crafting an emotional landscape that resonates across genres.
Top tracks — play these first
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Unwanted — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of rejection and longing, showcasing a blend of infectious pop melodies with poignant lyrical depth.
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Lies — This track combines a catchy chorus with sharp commentary on dishonesty in relationships, effectively representing the album's emotional core.
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Clean — With its introspective lyrics about recovery and self-discovery, this song stands out for its mature handling of personal growth amidst heartbreak.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends catchy melodies with emotional lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the lyrical themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance.
- The production employs bright synths and punchy rhythms throughout, with moments of stripped-back instrumentation to highlight lyrical content.
- 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- heartfelt anthems for self-acceptance
- vibrant exploration of heartbreak
- engaging sing-along choruses
- for casual afternoon listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer long soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 12, 2022, 'Unwanted' is Pale Waves' third studio album, following the commercial success of their sophomore effort, 'Who Am I?'. At this point, the band was solidifying their sound and identity within the indie pop scene while exploring deeper themes of personal struggle and acceptance.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chvrches· The 1975· Wolf Alice
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lies 2:50
- 2 Unwanted 2:54
- 3 The Hard Way 3:25
- 4 Jealousy 3:12
- 5 Alone 3:12
- 6 Clean 2:51
- 7 Without You 3:40
- 8 Only Problem 3:02
- 9 You're So Vain 2:41
- 10 Reasons To Live 2:47
- 11 Numb 2:46
- 12 Act My Age 2:52
- 13 So Sick (Of Missing You) 2:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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