What makes Barricade by Interpol notable?

Barricade received significant attention for its return to form, showcasing Interpol's ability to craft atmospheric rock music that resonated with both fans and critics. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, solidifying their presence in the post-punk revival scene during a time when many bands from that era were facing obscurity. Released in 2010, Barricade is the lead single from Interpol's fourth studio album, marking their return after a three-year hiatus following the mixed reception of their previous work, Our Love to Admire. This period saw the band seeking to redefine their sound while maintaining their signature style, as they navigated the challenges of evolving within the indie rock landscape.

How many songs are on Barricade?

Barricade has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Barricade

Interpol · 2010

4 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A driving blend of post-punk rhythms and ethereal vocals creates a hauntingly atmospheric soundscape that feels both urgent and introspective.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Barricade — As the title track and lead single, Barricade encapsulates the band's signature sound with its driving bassline and layered guitar effects, making it a standout example of their artistic direction at this point.

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 single showcases solid writing and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The track features a steady, driving rhythm with layered guitars that create a dense soundscape.
Vocals are delivered in a subdued, almost detached manner, contrasting with the energetic instrumentation.
The song builds gradually, introducing new elements throughout its duration to maintain listener interest.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Interpol's return after a hiatus, showcasing a resurgence in their signature sound.
Career context: Released in 2010, Barricade is the lead single from Interpol's fourth studio album, marking their return after a three-year hiatus following the mixed reception of their previous work, Our Love to Admire. This period saw the band seeking to redefine their sound while maintaining their signature style, as they navigated the challenges of evolving within the indie rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The National· Editors· Franz Ferdinand