200 Million Thousand cover

200 Million Thousand

Black Lips · 2009

51 min · 15 tracks · indie rock

A raucous blend of garage punk and psychedelic rock, charged with raw energy and lo-fi charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Drugs — This track encapsulates the band's signature chaotic energy while addressing themes of excess and escapism, making it a standout representation of their style.
  • →
    I Saw God — Closing with an expansive sound, this track showcases the band's ability to merge introspective lyrics with an anthemic chorus, highlighting their lyrical depth.
  • →
    Take My Heart — With its catchy hooks and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's knack for crafting infectious melodies that balance humor and sincerity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic performances with varied tempos but may not deeply engage listeners over time.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of distorted guitar riffs and energetic drumming across nearly all tracks, creating a raw and chaotic sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Drugs' which shifts from a fast-paced section to a slower, more contemplative part.
  • The vocal delivery often alternates between melodic singing and shouted phrases, contributing to the album's unpredictable nature.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of chaotic energy
  • for late-night parties
  • raw and unfiltered emotional release
  • head-nodding anthems for driving
  • quick, punchy tracks throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished, studio sound
  • seek lengthy, atmospheric pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
200 Million Thousand is the fifth studio album by Black Lips, released in 2009. This album arrived after their critical breakthrough with 2007's Good Bad Not Evil and marked a continuation of their chaotic sound while exploring new thematic depths.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Saw God

    The final verse introduces a dramatic shift in perspective, presenting a personal revelation that contrasts with earlier lines focused on external chaos.

    This pivot in focus enhances the emotional weight of the song, transitioning from broad observations to intimate reflection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Take My Heart 2:48
  • 2 Drugs 2:33
  • 3 Starting Over 3:59
  • 4 Let It Grow 3:37
  • 5 Trapped in a Basement 2:34
  • 6 Short Fuse 3:26
  • 7 I'll Be With You 2:32
  • 8 Big Black Baby Jesus of Today 2:56
  • 9 Again & Again 2:48
  • 10 Old Man 2:52
  • 11 The Drop I Hold 3:16
  • 12 Body Combat 3:24
  • 13 Elijah 2:52
  • 14 I Saw God 4:15
  • 15 Meltdown 7:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata