What does As You Like It sound like?

A whimsical blend of folk melodies and theatrical flair, capturing the essence of Shakespeare's romantic comedy. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock. Start with "If Music Be the Food of Love".

Is As You Like It a good place to start with Barenaked Ladies?

Yes, As You Like It is recommended as a starting point for new Barenaked Ladies listeners. A whimsical blend of folk melodies and theatrical flair, capturing the essence of Shakespeare's romantic comedy. Released in 2005, As You Like It is Barenaked Ladies' first album since the departure of founding member Steven Page. This album represents a unique venture into musical theater, as it features songs inspired by Shakespeare's play, showcasing the band's adaptability and creativity following significant lineup changes.

Who is As You Like It for?

As You Like It works well if you're into whimsical storytelling with charm, playful acoustic interludes abound and brief moments of theatricality.

How many songs are on As You Like It?

As You Like It has 19 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

As You Like It

Barenaked Ladies · 2005

26 min · 19 tracks · alternative rock

A whimsical blend of folk melodies and theatrical flair, capturing the essence of Shakespeare's romantic comedy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If Music Be the Food of Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rosalind and Orlando — This track encapsulates the central romance of the play, weaving together themes of love and identity with an engaging melody that reflects the characters' emotions.
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Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind — A poignant adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most famous songs, this track showcases the band's ability to bring classical texts to life through contemporary arrangements.
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Into Arden — With its vivid imagery and playful tone, this song effectively transports listeners into the pastoral setting of the play, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album's theatrical approach and narrative structure create a unique listening experience, though it lacks mainstream impact.

What we noticed

The album features a narrative structure with songs that follow the plot of Shakespeare's play, creating a theatrical flow.
Several tracks incorporate dialogue and sound effects, enhancing the storytelling aspect and immersing the listener in the setting.
The instrumentation varies between folk-inspired melodies and more orchestral arrangements, reflecting the whimsical tone of the material.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

whimsical storytelling with charm
playful acoustic interludes abound
brief moments of theatricality
suitable for group sing-alongs
lighthearted tunes for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking long immersive experiences
prefer straightforward single tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — A unique venture into musical theater, differing from their typical pop rock sound.
Themes: Shakespearean love stories· theatrical storytelling· melancholic winter imagery
Career context: Released in 2005, As You Like It is Barenaked Ladies' first album since the departure of founding member Steven Page. This album represents a unique venture into musical theater, as it features songs inspired by Shakespeare's play, showcasing the band's adaptability and creativity following significant lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: They Might Be Giants· Guster· Ben Folds Five