American Dream
LCD Soundsystem · 2017
68 min · 10 tracks · punk rock
A pulsating blend of dance-punk and reflective lyrics, capturing the anxieties of contemporary life with an infectious groove.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh Baby Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Call the Police — This track channels a sense of urgency through its driving beat and compelling lyrics that reflect societal tensions. Its blend of optimism and despair encapsulates the album's overarching theme.
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American Dream — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on disillusionment and nostalgia, combining haunting melodies with introspective lyrics that resonate deeply in today's climate.
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How Do You Sleep? — This song stands out with its confessional tone and vivid imagery, addressing personal relationships while maintaining an infectious danceable rhythm that captures the album's essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends dance-punk with introspective themes, showcasing strong writing and production choices.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, often layering synths and percussion before introducing vocals.
- Several tracks utilize a repetitive structure, with hooks that evolve over time rather than presenting distinct verses and choruses.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- reflective dance rhythms unfold
- nostalgic themes of disillusionment
- gradual build to emotional climax
- late-night introspection with friends
- thoughtful exploration of change
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reaffirmed the band's impact after a hiatus, showcasing continued vitality.
- Themes
- post-recession disillusionment· nostalgic urban landscapes
- Career context
- By the release of American Dream in 2017, LCD Soundsystem had returned after a lengthy hiatus following their breakup in 2011. This album marked their first full-length project since their acclaimed 2010 release, This Is Happening, and signaled a significant return to form for the band, showcasing both familiar sounds and new thematic explorations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hot Chip· The Rapture· Soulwax
Tracklist
- 1 Oh Baby Start here 5:49
- 2 Other Voices 6:43
- 3 I Used To 5:32
- 4 Change Yr Mind 4:57
- 5 How Do You Sleep? 9:12
- 6 Tonite 5:47
- 7 Call the Police 6:58
- 8 American Dream 6:06
- 9 Emotional Haircut 5:29
- 10 Black Screen 12:05
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Why Make Sense?
Hot Chip
Shares reflective dance rhythms and explores themes of personal and societal introspection.
Sleep Well Beast
The National
Combines melancholic lyrics with a mix of electronic and organic sounds, capturing disillusionment.
Currents
Tame Impala
Merges psychedelic soundscapes with introspective themes of change and emotional complexity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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