The Album

I hope you’re feeling brave, because today we’re joining The Gryffindor Common Room Rejects in a musical journey on their 2016 album, Wizard Rock. With a total of nine songs, get ready to hear stunning vocals, solid guitar instrumentals, and witty lyrics. Let’s sneak into the Gryffindor Common Room – today’s password is: “Wizard Rock!”

The Tracks

The first song of the album is perfect for anyone that has a thing for Boys With Scars. From Harry to Lupin to many of the Weasleys, the singer tells all about all of the wizards with scars that she’d like to be with. The harmonies are absolutely gorgeous and the lyrics are awesome.

Dear Diary is from Ginny’s point of view. If I liked the harmonies in the first song, I wasn’t ready for the harmonies in this one. They are deeply beautiful, with vocals so low I was impressed. Ginny worries about what’s been happening to her as more and more attacks happen at the school, but at least she can confide in her diary… right?

The song Worst Birthday is based on the chapter with the same title. The lyrics are straight out of the pages of this chapter, and the music brings the words to life. The vocals soar like a Quidditch player flying high above the pitch, and the instrumentals in the guitar provide a musical foundation as solid as the stone walls of the Hogwarts castle.

Sweet guitar and soft vocals begin the next song, That’s a Start. It is a heartbreakingly lovely song about the magic of love. The incredible harmonies continue, which make my heart very happy. The vocals split off into two separate lines before coming back together. This song gave me “sweet summer afternoon” vibes.

We now come to my favorite title of the album: Who’s the Rat. Despite the fun title, the song itself is actually very sad. It takes place during Harry’s third year at Hogwarts, when Lupin is trying to figure out who betrayed Lily and James. How could Sirius come to Hogwarts without saying hello to his closest living friend? The vocals long for peace, rest, and truth. I really felt Lupin’s struggle in this performance.

Something is Gone is a follow-up to the previous song. This time, instead of Lupin, it’s from Sirius. When Dumbledore tells him that James and Lily have died, Sirius sings about his anger at Peter for his betrayal. Through the anger, there is also anguish and deep sadness in the lyrics as well as the vocals themselves.

The guitar is more upbeat for Friend, Foe, Lover. Following the Marauders trend, Sirius tells about the choices that he made to ensure the safety of James, Lily, and baby Harry. Because trusting Peter as Secret Keeper backfired, he vows to get his revenge. The regret is clear in the singer’s voice. The lyrics in this song were my favorite of the whole album.

We bring back Something is Gone (Reprise) with a short song that is quick and beautiful.

Wrock is Hard (NSFW) is all about how writing wizard rock is a lot more difficult than one might think. The singer laments about character names being hard to pronounce, and comedically references names from Game of Thrones. New chord progressions are also really hard to come up with (can confirm). This song is fun and funny! It’s got it all.

In Summary

I absolutely fell in love with this album. From the harmonies to the heart wrenching lyrics to the guitar, it was all completely beautiful. The emotion that is put into each and every song, whether the emotion is sadness, regret, anger, or frustration, is apparent and wonderfully executed. I sincerely hope you give this album a listen – I guarantee it’s well worth your time!