The New Sound (Geordie Greep) – Every Song Ranked

I wasn’t too familiar with black midi’s work before their split, but I knew the song “Welcome to Hell” and absolutely loved it. When I heard Geordie Greep – the lead singer and songwriter – had made his own album, I went in with the hopes of an experience half as good as that song. Needless to say, my expectations were exceeded and then some.

This is my album of the year for 2024 (even though I haven’t listened to that many new albums this year), and loads of these songs are quickly becoming personal favourites. How would I rank them all?

Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:

OK

11 – Bongo Season

Everyone seems to collectively agree that “Bongo Season” is the weakest track from “The New Sound”, so at least I’m in the majority.

It’s the least interesting of all the tracks, and it’s the one that probably could’ve been left on the cutting room floor.

10 – Motorbike

“Motorbike”, on the other hand, is a track that many seem to love but I can’t get behind.

It features producer Seth Evans on vocals – which isn’t the Greep I signed up for! The final third bumps it up a place, though.

Good

9 – If You Are But a Dream

It’s slightly underwhelming ending the album on the slow “If You Are But a Dream” (especially considering the track before was such an incredible climax), but it works.

Greep’s crooning is just what the doctor ordered after ten batshit insane songs.

8 – The New Sound

The title track, which happens to be instrumental.

It’s a good jam packed with creativity, but it’s not a track I’d listen to outside of the full album experience.

7 – Through a War

Coolest title on the album, but “Through a War” has to settle for a middle-of-the-road ranking.

On other albums this would be an excellent display of songwriting and performance, but here it blends in with the rest.

Great

6 – As if Waltz

“As if Waltz” starts with a great energy, but it’s the slower sections that stick in my mind.

You can tell the album is gearing up for a grand finale.

5 – Walk Up

My favourite song from the middle stretch of tracks.

There’s a swing to “Walk Up” that morphs into a crazy finale. My only complaint is that the final minute is a bit too weird and left-field for me.

Amazing

4 – Blues

Straight off the bat “Blues” opens the album with one of the most insane guitar riffs I’ve ever heard.

It sets the tone both musically and lyrically, and the build-up is sublime.

3 – Terra

On a first pass of the album “Terra” was my immediate favourite for its slick, approachable style.

The Latin / Lounge Jazz style works far better than it should, and Greep’s wails are amazing.

All-Time Great

2 – The Magician

I didn’t vibe with “The Magician” at first. It was too long and winding on my initial listen, and I felt it was dwarfed by the quality of the album’s first three tracks.

But the more I listen to it, the more I see it as Greep’s magnum opus. This contains some of the most emotive lyrics I’ve ever heard, and once again the build-up to the ending is exquisite.

1 – Holy, Holy

Though I may get more out of “The Magician” emotionally, no other song this year has got me grooving quite like “Holy, Holy”.

It’s a phenomenal blend of styles and musical genres, and the second half twist continues to blow me away on my hundredth listen. My pick for best song of 2024.

Aaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below: