Released 10 years ago
What We Live For
American Authors · 2016
42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Uplifting melodies blend with rhythmic anthems, showcasing a vibrant snapshot of contemporary alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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What We Live For — The title track encapsulates the album's optimistic message and serves as a rallying cry for embracing life’s adventures.
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Go Big or Go Home — This track embodies the energetic spirit of the album, encouraging listeners to take bold risks and live fully.
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Superman — With its powerful lyrics about resilience and self-empowerment, this song stands out as a poignant moment in the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features catchy melodies and anthemic choruses but lacks depth for lasting engagement.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the anthemic quality of the choruses.
- The production employs layered instrumentation with prominent use of synthesizers and rhythmic percussion, contributing to a polished sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- upbeat anthems for group sing-alongs
- short tracks for quick bursts
- motivational themes for active moments
- catchy choruses that invite participation
- feel-good vibes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- slow, introspective listening preferences
- long, drawn-out musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- What We Live For is American Authors' second studio album, released following their breakthrough debut, Oh, What a Life, which produced the hit single 'Best Day of My Life.' By this point in their career, they aimed to solidify their sound and expand their audience, using this album to explore deeper themes while maintaining their signature upbeat style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Walk the Moon· Fitz and the Tantrums· Panic! at the Disco
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Superman
The bridge shifts into a moment of vulnerability, where the speaker reveals insecurities despite an outward appearance of strength.
This contrast deepens the emotional impact of the song, highlighting a struggle between perception and reality.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What We Live For 2:58
- 2 I’m Born to Run 3:26
- 3 Pride 3:11
- 4 Right Here Right Now 3:01
- 5 Nothing Better 3:38
- 6 Replaced 3:32
- 7 Go Big or Go Home 2:49
- 8 Mess With Your Heart 4:03
- 9 No Love 3:33
- 10 Pocket Full of Gold 3:00
- 11 Superman 4:08
- 12 Mind Body Soul 5:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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