Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Hate — This track opens the album with aggressive instrumentation and powerful vocals, setting a tone of defiance that resonates throughout the record. Its raw emotion encapsulates Ward's struggles and serves as a rallying cry against societal issues.
-
→
Children Killing Children — Through haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, this track critiques violence impacting youth, showcasing Ward's ability to blend personal narrative with broader social commentary. Its chilling themes leave a lasting impact on listeners.
-
→
When I Was a Child — This reflective piece delves into nostalgia and lost innocence, contrasting with the darker themes of the album. It highlights Ward's vulnerability and depth as a songwriter while providing a moment of introspection amidst heavier tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw intensity and thematic focus on trauma create a distinctive but uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, driving rhythm in 'Hate', establishing a raw intensity that persists through the first half.
- Lyrically, several tracks directly address themes of violence and trauma, such as 'Children Killing Children' and 'Please Help Mommy'.
- The instrumentation features prominent guitar riffs and dynamic drumming, with shifts in tempo that create tension and release throughout.
- The final track, 'When the Bough Breaks', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting the earlier aggression with a more subdued arrangement.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hate 5:00
- 2 Children Killing Children 3:51
- 3 Growth 5:45
- 4 When I Was a Child 4:54
- 5 Please Help Mommy 6:40
- 6 Shine 5:06
- 7 Step Lightly 5:59
- 8 Love and Innocence 1:00
- 9 Animals 6:32
- 10 Nighthawks Stars & Pines 6:45
- 11 Try Life 5:35
- 12 When the Bough Breaks 9:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.