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Build a Rocket Boys!

by Elbow

Released: March 04, 2011

Alternative rock, indie rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

This focus presents a reflective mood, ruminating on themes like the passage of time, lost youth, and the challenges and joys of growing up. "Build a Rocket Boys!" is the fifth studio album by British alternative rock band Elbow. In terms of production, it followed a similar pattern as their previous releases, with the band recording in their own studio - Blueprint Studios in Salford.

Inside the Recording

Released on March 7, 2011, the album was produced by Craig Potter, a member of the band.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album maintains the band's signature sound: immersive…

The album maintains the band's signature sound: immersive production, engaging lyricism, and a mix of melancholy and hope.

Lyrically, the album is flooded with reminiscences of…

Lyrically, the album is flooded with reminiscences of frontman Guy Garvey's adolescent years in Bury, Greater Manchester.

The album includes several distinct singles such as…

The album includes several distinct singles such as "Lippy Kids" and "Neat Little Rows".

The album’s title is thought to reflect the…

The album’s title is thought to reflect the band's keynote to encourage younger generations to dream and aspire.

It was hailed for its innovative use of…

It was hailed for its innovative use of space and texture, blending rock elements with lush orchestrations.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

lippy kids

The album includes several distinct singles such as "Lippy Kids" and "Neat Little Rows".

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!

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Then

Reception

Despite being less commercially successful than their previous album, "The Seldom Seen Kid," it received much critical acclaim. Significantly, "Build a Rocket Boys!" quickly gained recognition becoming a nominee in notable music awards including the Mercury Prize and the Brit Awards for Best British Group. Critics appreciated its thematic cohesiveness and mood.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Build a Rocket Boys!" is the fifth studio album by British alternative rock band Elbow. Released on March 7, 2011, the album was produced by Craig Potter, a member of the band.

The album maintains the band's signature sound: immersive production, engaging lyricism, and a mix of melancholy and hope. Lyrically, the album is flooded with reminiscences of frontman Guy Garvey's adolescent years in Bury, Greater Manchester. This focus presents a reflective mood, ruminating on themes like the passage of time, lost youth, and the challenges and joys of growing up.

The album includes several distinct singles such as "Lippy Kids" and "Neat Little Rows". Despite being less commercially successful than their previous album, "The Seldom Seen Kid," it received much critical acclaim. Critics appreciated its thematic cohesiveness and mood.

Significantly, "Build a Rocket Boys!" quickly gained recognition becoming a nominee in notable music awards including the Mercury Prize and the Brit Awards for Best British Group. The album’s title is thought to reflect the band's keynote to encourage younger generations to dream and aspire.

In terms of production, it followed a similar pattern as their previous releases, with the band recording in their own studio - Blueprint Studios in Salford. It was hailed for its innovative use of space and texture, blending rock elements with lush orchestrations.

Overall, "Build a Rocket Boys!" is an introspective, beautifully crafted journey into nostalgia, maturity, and the human experience.