Earning Keeps’ resonance lies in its ability to combine the physical essence of the phrase with the many human parallels that run throughout it. It is a work of contrast and ubiquity, where roles subvert and the structure of class and ones pursuit of love and identity there-in fold and envelope each other. It is a means to an end, as the work defines the finished product; they are one in the same, the process honouring the outcome, the journey longing for destination. Smith wanted a cohesive sound built off not only simple pop idioms, but as well a more band oriented sound. The songs contrast those lush, texture-based pieces with sparse, minimal piano ballads and harsher, stark noise.