What makes Boxer by The National notable?

Boxer received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since been recognized as one of the defining albums of the 2000s indie rock scene. It was named to numerous year-end lists and solidified The National's reputation, leading to their eventual commercial success with subsequent albums. Released in early 2007, Boxer is The National's fourth studio album and marks a significant moment in their rise to prominence following Alligator in 2005. At this point, the band was transitioning from indie darlings into a more mainstream consciousness, as they began to garner critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.

Boxer works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and introspective late-night reflections.

How many songs are on Boxer?

Boxer has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Boxer

The National · 2007

43 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective landscape that captures urban isolation and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fake Empire — Opening with a haunting piano riff, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of disillusionment and longing, encapsulating its emotional core.
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Slow Show — The slow build-up and poignant lyrics highlight an intimate moment of vulnerability, showcasing the band's ability to blend personal storytelling with expansive soundscapes.
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Mistaken for Strangers — This track juxtaposes upbeat instrumentation with themes of alienation, making it both catchy and deeply contemplative, a signature of The National's style.
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Green Gloves — With its delicate arrangement and evocative imagery, this song reflects on memory and loss, embodying the introspective nature that defines much of Boxer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Boxer combines introspective lyrics with intricate arrangements, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Fake Empire', opens with a piano and builds gradually, introducing strings and layered vocals that set a reflective tone.
Several tracks feature a consistent use of syncopated rhythms in the drums, creating a sense of urgency beneath the melancholic melodies.
The album frequently employs a dynamic range, with quieter verses leading into more intense choruses, particularly evident in 'Slow Show' and 'Racing Like a Pro'.
The final track, 'Gospel', concludes with an extended instrumental outro that fades out slowly, leaving a lingering emotional resonance.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
introspective late-night reflections
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked a significant rise in the band's prominence and critical acclaim.
Career context: Released in early 2007, Boxer is The National's fourth studio album and marks a significant moment in their rise to prominence following Alligator in 2005. At this point, the band was transitioning from indie darlings into a more mainstream consciousness, as they began to garner critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Interpol· The War on Drugs· Bon Iver