What makes A Raw Youth by Le Butcherettes notable?

The album received praise for its bold exploration of gender identity and societal issues, which resonated with a growing feminist movement in music. It also marked a significant moment for Le Butcherettes as they began to attract broader audience attention, leading to features in prominent publications such as Rolling Stone and NPR. Released in 2015, A Raw Youth is Le Butcherettes' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Cry Is for the Flies. At this point, the band had solidified their presence in the underground indie rock scene and was gaining wider recognition, particularly through their energetic live performances and collaborations with influential artists like Iggy Pop.

How many songs are on A Raw Youth?

A Raw Youth has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

A Raw Youth

Le Butcherettes · 2015

41 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and raw emotionality, underscored by biting lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Reason to Die Young — This track encapsulates the urgency and defiance that characterizes the album, featuring driving rhythms and poignant reflections on youth disillusionment.
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They Fuck Over You — An anthem of empowerment, this track delivers a fierce critique of exploitation wrapped in visceral lyrics and explosive instrumentation.
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Stab My Back — With its haunting melodies and layered harmonies, this song illustrates the emotional depth of the record while highlighting themes of betrayal and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album combines punk energy with emotional depth, featuring dynamic shifts and vivid lyrics that resonate with its themes.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving percussion, establishing a frenetic pace.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Witchless C Spot,' which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and confrontational themes, particularly in tracks like 'They Fuck Over You' and 'Reason to Die Young.'

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Witchless C Spot

The verses shift from personal introspection to a broader commentary on societal expectations and femininity without losing their punch.

This structural choice creates a contrast that emphasizes both individual experience and collective struggle, deepening the song's impact.

Tracklist

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

1 Shave the Pride 2:37
2 My Mallely 3:39
3 Reason to Die Young 3:43
4 La Uva 3:36
5 Sold Less Than Gold 2:03
6 Stab My Back 4:11
7 They Fuck Over You 2:21
8 Witchless C Spot 4:00
9 The Hitch Hiker 2:50
10 Lonely & Drunk 3:46
11 Oil the Shoe If the Critter Knew Any Better 4:13
12 My Half 4:40

What to play next

Listen next

bi/MENTAL

2019

Go back to

Cry Is for the Flies

2014

Full Le Butcherettes discography Artists like Le Butcherettes

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata