Zombies on Broadway cover

Zombies on Broadway

Andrew McMahon · 2017

38 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop-rock melodies infused with introspective lyrics and anthemic choruses that capture urban isolation and resilience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of urban struggles, featuring a catchy chorus that juxtaposes personal reflection with a vibrant musical backdrop.
  • →
    Dead Man’s Dollar — With its driving beat and poignant storytelling, this song highlights themes of loss and ambition, making it a standout narrative piece within the album.
  • →
    Birthday Song — This closing track offers a reflective look at life's fleeting moments, seamlessly blending celebratory tones with deeper existential musings that resonate powerfully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100
Foothills
Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album features polished pop-rock melodies with introspective lyrics, but lacks standout compositions to elevate it further.

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 pace.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent synth lines, creating an anthemic feel throughout.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • urban storytelling with vibrant energy
  • piano-driven melodies for introspection
  • catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • slow, listening preferences
  • seeking lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Zombies on Broadway was Andrew McMahon's third studio album, following his 2016 release, Zombies on Broadway marked a significant evolution in his sound, moving towards a more polished pop aesthetic. At this stage in his career, McMahon had already established himself as a prominent figure in the alternative music scene, following his work with Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Zombies Intro 0:27
  • 2 Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me 3:11
  • 3 So Close 3:20
  • 4 Don’t Speak for Me (True) 3:25
  • 5 Fire Escape 3:25
  • 6 Dead Man’s Dollar 3:32
  • 7 Shot Out of a Cannon 3:54
  • 8 Walking in My Sleep 3:50
  • 9 Island Radio 3:48
  • 10 Love and Great Buildings 3:48
  • 11 Birthday Song 5:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata