Is Bottle It In a good place to start with Kurt Vile?

Yes, Bottle It In is recommended as a starting point for new Kurt Vile listeners. A blend of introspective folk and sprawling rock soundscapes, infused with a laid-back, yet contemplative vibe throughout. Released in 2018, Bottle It In marks Kurt Vile's sixth studio album, following his successful 2015 release, b'lieve I'm goin down.... At this point in his career, Vile had firmly established himself within the indie rock scene, known for his distinctive guitar work and relaxed vocal style. The album showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.

Who is Bottle It In for?

Bottle It In works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, introspective moments of wanderlust and dynamic journey through moods.

How many songs are on Bottle It In?

Bottle It In has 13 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Bottle It In

Kurt Vile · 2018

78 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A blend of introspective folk and sprawling rock soundscapes, infused with a laid-back, yet contemplative vibe throughout.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Loading Zones Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy riffs and vivid imagery of urban life, encapsulating Vile's unique storytelling approach.
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Bassackwards — With its sprawling length and intricate guitar work, this track exemplifies Vile's ability to weave complex narratives while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
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Bottle It In — The title track serves as a reflective centerpiece, exploring themes of anxiety and introspection through layered instrumentation and evocative lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's long tracks and conversational style create a unique listening experience within its genre.

What we noticed

The album features long tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and gradual development of themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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

wave-like pacing with peaks
introspective moments of wanderlust
dynamic journey through moods
for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek concise standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Vile's artistic growth and solidifies his status in contemporary rock.
Themes: urban life reflections· anxiety in suburbia· introspective storytelling
Career context: Released in 2018, Bottle It In marks Kurt Vile's sixth studio album, following his successful 2015 release, b'lieve I'm goin down.... At this point in his career, Vile had firmly established himself within the indie rock scene, known for his distinctive guitar work and relaxed vocal style. The album showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.
Stylistic neighbors: Jason Isbell· Mac DeMarco· Bill Callahan