Description
Middle Kids – Today We’re The Greatest – Vinyl Record
Today We’re the Greatest is the second studio album by Middle Kids, released in 2021. It is a warm, emotionally resonant record that expands on the band’s blend of indie rock, alternative rock, folk, and heartland-inspired songwriting. More confident and expansive than their debut, the album explores the complexities of adulthood with honesty, humor, and optimism, establishing Middle Kids as one of Australia’s finest contemporary rock bands.
Formed in Sydney, the trio—led by vocalist and songwriter Hannah Joy, alongside guitarist/producer Tim Fitz and drummer Harry Day—had already earned international attention with their debut Lost Friends. On Today We’re the Greatest, they refine that foundation, producing an album that feels simultaneously intimate and anthemic.
The title reflects one of the record’s central ideas: embracing life’s small victories rather than chasing impossible ideals. It suggests that greatness can be found in ordinary moments—in relationships, perseverance, family, and personal growth. Throughout the album, there’s an undercurrent of gratitude that balances its moments of uncertainty and vulnerability.
The record draws from indie rock, alternative rock, folk rock, dream pop, and Americana. Bright guitars, warm keyboards, tasteful string arrangements, and driving rhythms create a sound that is polished without losing its emotional immediacy. The production is spacious and dynamic, allowing quieter moments to coexist naturally with soaring choruses.
Hannah Joy’s vocals are the emotional heart of the album. Her voice combines clarity, warmth, and quiet strength, conveying vulnerability without fragility. She has an engaging ability to make deeply personal experiences feel universal, whether she’s singing about love, self-doubt, resilience, or the passage of time.
The songwriting is one of the album’s greatest achievements. Joy writes with remarkable emotional intelligence, focusing on everyday experiences rather than dramatic narratives. Themes of marriage, commitment, identity, anxiety, hope, and finding meaning in ordinary life run throughout the record. Her lyrics are poetic but accessible, filled with vivid images and thoughtful observations that invite repeated listening.
Instrumentally, the trio demonstrates impressive chemistry. Tim Fitz’s guitar work is melodic and understated, serving the songs rather than dominating them, while Harry Day’s drumming provides energy and subtle rhythmic variation. The arrangements are carefully constructed, with each instrument contributing to the emotional arc of the songs.
The production, handled largely by Tim Fitz, strikes an ideal balance between indie authenticity and polished craftsmanship. Layered guitars, pianos, strings, and vocal harmonies enrich the music without overwhelming its intimate core. The album sounds contemporary while avoiding production trends that might quickly date it.
Critics praised Today We’re the Greatest for its emotional sincerity, memorable songwriting, and mature perspective. Many noted that it successfully avoided the “difficult second album” syndrome by broadening the band’s sound while preserving the qualities that made their debut so appealing. The record also earned nominations at the ARIA Music Awards, further cementing the band’s reputation.
One of the album’s most appealing qualities is its emotional balance. It acknowledges uncertainty, disappointment, and the pressures of adulthood, but it rarely succumbs to cynicism. Instead, it finds hope in resilience, human connection, and the simple act of continuing to move forward. That optimism feels earned rather than sentimental.
With its heartfelt songwriting, rich melodies, and beautifully measured performances, Today We’re the Greatest is a standout modern indie rock album. It captures Middle Kids at a creative peak, demonstrating a remarkable ability to transform everyday experiences into deeply affecting music. Honest, uplifting, and consistently engaging, it is an album that grows more rewarding with each listen and confirms the band as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary alternative music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Bad Neighbours
Cellophane (Brain)
R U 4 Me?
Questions
Lost In Los Angeles
Golden Star
Summer Hill
Some People Stay In Our Hearts Forever
Run With You
I Don’t Care
Stacking Chairs
Today We’re The Greatest
