Bad Ideas cover

Bad Ideas

Tessa Violet · 2019

32 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

A playful blend of indie pop and confessional lyrics that explore the complexities of young love and self-identity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crush — This track encapsulates the thrill and anxiety of infatuation with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, making it a standout anthem for young listeners.
  • →
    Bad Ideas — The title track showcases Violet’s knack for blending vulnerability with upbeat melodies, reflecting on poor choices made in pursuit of love.
  • →
    Words Ain’t Enough — This song highlights a poignant moment where emotions outpace verbal expression, reinforcing the album's theme of imperfect communication in relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album features catchy melodies and relatable lyrics but lacks significant depth or innovation.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a playful tone before transitioning into more lyrical content.
  • Most tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo beat, with the exception of 'Crush' which has a faster pace and serves as an energetic highlight.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
  • The final track is an interlude that brings the album to a reflective close, contrasting with the upbeat nature of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful introspection for sunny days
  • steady pacing for casual listening
  • bright melodies with relatable themes
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2019, Bad Ideas is Tessa Violet's debut studio album following her viral success on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This album marked a significant step in her career as it showcased her transition from digital influencer to a recognized pop artist with a distinct sound and narrative style.
Stylistic neighbors
Lauv· Betty Who· Olivia Rodrigo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Prelude 1:03
  • 2 Crush 3:35
  • 3 Bad Ideas 2:59
  • 4 I Like (the Idea of) You 2:49
  • 5 Games 3:41
  • 6 Feelin 3:04
  • 7 Words Ain’t Enough 2:04
  • 8 Bored 3:03
  • 9 Wishful Drinking 3:15
  • 10 Honest 4:12
  • 11 Interlude III 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata