Wonderful Things: Retrospective cover

Wonderful Things: Retrospective

Underground Lovers · 2011

72 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic guitars intertwine with lush synths, creating a dreamlike soundscape that captures the essence of Australian alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dream It Down — This opening track sets the stage with its ethereal sound and introspective lyrics, embodying the band's signature dreamy aesthetic and melodic craftsmanship.
  • →
    Holiday — With its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, this song reflects the band's ability to blend catchy melodies with deeper emotional themes, making it a fan favorite.
  • →
    I Was Right — This track showcases a sonic shift with its more pronounced electronic elements, illustrating the band’s experimentation while maintaining their core identity.
  • →
    Cold Feeling — A standout for its haunting atmosphere and reflective lyrics, this song captures the emotional core of the album, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a cohesive sound with well-crafted tracks, though it doesn't push boundaries within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered guitars and synths, creating a rich, atmospheric sound throughout its duration.
  • Tracks often blend seamlessly into one another, with several songs sharing melodic motifs that enhance the overall cohesion.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Starsigns

    In a pivotal moment, the narrative shifts from collective longing to an intimate reflection on personal dreams and aspirations.

    This transition from broader themes to personal insight enhances the emotional impact, allowing listeners to connect on a more individual level.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dream It Down 4:34
  • 2 Undone 4:07
  • 3 Promenade 4:34
  • 4 Holiday 3:45
  • 5 Starsigns 3:09
  • 6 I Was Right 4:17
  • 7 Beautiful World 3:52
  • 8 Rushall Station 5:58
  • 9 Cold Feeling 6:03
  • 10 Losin' It 4:34
  • 11 Ways t'Burn 5:02
  • 12 Recognise 3:41
  • 13 Las Vegas 4:37
  • 14 Eastside Stories 5:43
  • 15 Your Eyes 8:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata