What makes Beneath the Skin by Of Monsters and Men notable?

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and reached the top 10 in several countries, solidifying the band's international presence. Critics noted its polished production and thematic depth, which contributed to a growing interest in Icelandic artists on the global stage. The single 'Crystals' received particular acclaim, highlighting the band's ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. Released in January 2015, 'Beneath the Skin' is Of Monsters and Men's sophomore album, following their successful debut, 'My Head Is an Animal'. The band aimed to evolve their sound while maintaining the anthemic quality that initially captured audiences. This album marked a significant step in their artistic development, as they experimented with darker themes and more complex arrangements.

Who is Beneath the Skin for?

Beneath the Skin works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, atmospheric melodies for introspection and rich harmonies for emotional connection.

How many songs are on Beneath the Skin?

Beneath the Skin has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Beneath the Skin

Of Monsters and Men · 2015

48 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal harmonies intertwine with driving rhythms, creating a lush tapestry of indie pop and folk influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crystals — This lead single encapsulates the album's bright yet introspective sound, featuring layered vocals and a driving beat that sets the tone for the entire record.
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Human — Exploring themes of vulnerability and connection, this track showcases the band's lyrical depth while incorporating an uplifting melody that invites listener engagement.
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Empire — With its anthemic chorus and rich instrumentation, 'Empire' exemplifies the band's evolution toward grander soundscapes while retaining their signature emotional resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and polished production but has uneven pacing and thematic depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Crystals' that sets an energetic tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, textured sound, particularly evident in 'Human' and 'Wolves Without Teeth'.
The pacing shifts noticeably around track six, 'Slow Life', where the tempo drops significantly, leading to a more introspective second half.

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: 6/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
atmospheric melodies for introspection
rich harmonies for emotional connection
thoughtful lyrics for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 2015, 'Beneath the Skin' is Of Monsters and Men's sophomore album, following their successful debut, 'My Head Is an Animal'. The band aimed to evolve their sound while maintaining the anthemic quality that initially captured audiences. This album marked a significant step in their artistic development, as they experimented with darker themes and more complex arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: The Lumineers· Mumford & Sons· Florence + the Machine