Villains cover

Villains

Emma Blackery · 2018

39 min · 11 tracks

A bold blend of pop-punk and electronic elements, laced with biting lyrics and anthemic hooks that challenge societal norms.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Dirt — This track exemplifies the album's edgy attitude, combining punchy instrumentals with lyrics that confront toxic relationships head-on. Its catchy chorus makes it a standout anthem for empowerment.
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    Fake Friends — With sharp observations about betrayal, this song captures the essence of disillusionment in friendships while showcasing Blackery’s vocal range and emotional depth.
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    Icarus — This track highlights themes of ambition and downfall, using metaphorical imagery to explore personal struggles. Its intricate production complements the lyrical intensity beautifully.
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    Burn the Witch — An exploration of societal pressures and mental health, this track stands out for its haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners seeking authenticity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 20% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop-punk with electronic elements effectively, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a thematic tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo energy.
  • Several songs feature layered electronic production alongside traditional pop-punk instrumentation, creating a dynamic soundscape.
  • The lyrics often employ direct and confrontational language, addressing personal and societal issues across multiple tracks.
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

  • short, punchy emotional bursts
  • introspective late-night reflections
  • dynamic storytelling through songs
  • energetic driving motivation

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2018, Villains is Emma Blackery's debut studio album following her successful EPs, marking a significant transition from YouTube personality to serious musician. At this point in her career, she had built a substantial online following and was ready to showcase her songwriting prowess on a larger scale.
Stylistic neighbors
Grimes· Chvrches· Muna

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Fake Friends

    The singer directly addresses those who have betrayed her loyalty with a candid tone that shifts from vulnerability to defiance.

    This direct address serves to break down barriers between the artist and listener, making the experience deeply personal while emphasizing the theme of reclaiming power.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Villains Pt. 1 3:36
  • 2 Dirt 3:17
  • 3 Agenda 3:16
  • 4 Fake Friends 3:35
  • 5 Icarus 3:35
  • 6 Take Me Out 3:05
  • 7 Petty 2:48
  • 8 Third Eye 4:23
  • 9 What I Felt With You 3:52
  • 10 Burn the Witch 3:11
  • 11 Villains Pt. 2 4:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata