What makes Animal Tracks by The Animals notable?

Animal Tracks features 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place,' which became an anthem for disillusioned youth during the Vietnam War era. The album's critical reception was strong, further cementing The Animals' impact on the emerging rhythm and blues scene and influencing countless artists in rock and blues. Released in September 1965, Animal Tracks was The Animals' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough with 'The House of the Rising Sun.' At this point, the band had solidified their reputation as leaders in the British Invasion, melding American blues influences with their own distinctive sound.

Who is Animal Tracks for?

Animal Tracks works well if you're into early energy for road trips, urgent defiance in every track and sing-along anthems with friends.

How many songs are on Animal Tracks?

Animal Tracks has 10 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Animal Tracks

The Animals · 1965

31 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

An electrifying blend of gritty blues and soul-infused rock, capturing the urgency of a generation's restless spirit.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
We Gotta Get Out of This Place — This track became a defining anthem of rebellion and hope, resonating deeply with listeners seeking escape from societal constraints.
→
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood — With its heartfelt plea for understanding, this song showcases Eric Burdon's powerful vocals and emotional depth, making it a standout on the album.
→
Bring It On Home to Me — A soulful cover that highlights the band's blues roots, transforming Sam Cooke's classic into a raw expression of longing and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Animal Tracks showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, making it a notable entry in The Animals' discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm on 'We Gotta Get Out of This Place,' establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the first half.
Several tracks feature prominent call-and-response vocals, particularly in 'Bring It On Home to Me' and 'Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,' enhancing their emotional impact.
The final three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a contrast that allows for reflection after the earlier intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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

early energy for road trips
urgent defiance in every track
sing-along anthems with friends
short bursts of raw intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, mellow listening
seek lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Animal Tracks solidified The Animals' reputation after their earlier success.
Career context: Released in September 1965, Animal Tracks was The Animals' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough with 'The House of the Rising Sun.' At this point, the band had solidified their reputation as leaders in the British Invasion, melding American blues influences with their own distinctive sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Yardbirds· The Rolling Stones· Eric Burdon & the Animals