2016 Atomized cover

2016 Atomized

The Raveonettes · 2017

47 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

An atmospheric blend of surf rock and shoegaze, weaving intricate melodies with hauntingly distant vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    EXCUSES — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its driving beat and reflective lyrics, showcasing a balance between upbeat energy and emotional depth.
  • →
    Junko Ozawa — With its dreamy instrumentation and ethereal vocals, this song highlights the band's ability to fuse nostalgia with modern soundscapes.
  • →
    PENDEJO — The extended length of this closing track allows for an immersive experience that pulls listeners into a sonic journey, blending various influences seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends surf rock and shoegaze with atmospheric vocals, showcasing unique compositions but uneven cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Vocals are often layered with reverb, creating a distant and atmospheric quality that complements the instrumentation.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt transitions and extended instrumental sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • haunting melodies for introspective moments
  • short tracks with dynamic flow
  • emotional depth in brief bursts
  • for late-night solitude
  • wave-like pacing that captivates

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike moody, atmospheric sounds
  • prefer longer, cohesive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time they released 2016 Atomized, The Raveonettes had established themselves within the indie rock scene since their debut in 2003. This album marked their sixth studio release, following 2014's Pe'ahi, and showcased a continued evolution in their sound while maintaining their signature aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors
The Kills· Beach House· The Black Angels

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • This Is Where It Ends

    The bridge shifts to a more vulnerable tone, emphasizing feelings of resignation and acceptance amidst chaotic surroundings.

    This change in tone marks a pivotal moment in the song, contrasting earlier verses and highlighting the emotional weight of surrender.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 This World Is Empty (Without You) 2:21
  • 2 Run Mascara Run 2:57
  • 3 EXCUSES 3:41
  • 4 Junko Ozawa 2:54
  • 5 Scout 4:11
  • 6 Won’t You Leave Me Alone 3:23
  • 7 Where Are You Wild Horses 3:15
  • 8 A Good Fight 3:25
  • 9 This Is Where It Ends 2:46
  • 10 Choke on Love 2:19
  • 11 Fast Food 3:50
  • 12 PENDEJO 12:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata