What makes 3/5 by Les Savy Fav notable?

3/5 is noted for its critical acclaim within the underground music scene, receiving positive reviews from influential publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. The album helped to define the sound of late '90s indie rock, influencing a generation of bands with its raw energy and experimental approach. Released in 1997, 3/5 marked Les Savy Fav's second album, following their debut, which established them as a prominent act in the post-hardcore and art rock scenes. This album solidified their reputation for energetic live performances and innovative sound, setting the stage for their future influence on indie music.

How many songs are on 3/5?

3/5 has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

3/5

Les Savy Fav · 1997

32 min · 10 tracks · art rock

A frenetic blend of post-punk energy and art rock experimentation, capturing the chaotic spirit of the late '90s indie scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Teen Anthem — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of humor and angst while addressing themes of youth culture with infectious energy.
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Scout's Honor — The song showcases a dynamic structure that shifts between quiet introspection and explosive choruses, reflecting the band’s art rock influences.
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Je t'aime — A standout track that combines melodic hooks with lyrical wit, illustrating Les Savy Fav's ability to balance catchy songwriting with deeper commentary.

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 showcases energetic compositions with unconventional structures, reflecting its chaotic late '90s indie rock spirit.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a frenetic tone, leading directly into the high-energy 'New Teen Anthem' which features rapid-fire vocals.
Tracks often shift abruptly in tempo and dynamics, such as the transition from the slower 'Cassolette' to the more aggressive 'Scout's Honor'.
Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, with unexpected breaks and changes in rhythm that challenge traditional verse-chorus formats.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Intro 3:14
2 New Teen Anthem 2:53
3 Cut It Out 2:23
4 Pluto 2:49
5 Cassolette 2:51
6 Scout's Honor 3:13
7 Je t'aime 4:57
8 Raise Buildings 2:35
9 Blackouts 3:16
10 False Starts 4:15

What to play next

Listen next

The Cat and the Cobra

1999

Full Les Savy Fav discography Artists like Les Savy Fav

art rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata