Breakup Song cover

Breakup Song

Deerhoof · 2012

29 min · 11 tracks · experimental music

A chaotic blend of art rock and experimental noise, infused with playful melodies and unorthodox song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Breakup Songs — The opening track immediately sets the tone with its frenetic energy and whimsical lyrics about love and loss, encapsulating the album's central theme.
  • →
    Zero Seconds Pause — This track features an infectious chorus contrasted by dissonant instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to merge pop sensibilities with avant-garde experimentation.
  • →
    We Do Parties — With its catchy hooks and playful lyrics that critique social interactions, this song exemplifies the band's unique blend of humor and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Breakup Song showcases inventive songwriting and unique structures, making it a notable entry in Deerhoof's discography.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt tempo changes, with several tracks shifting from frenetic energy to quieter, more introspective moments.
  • Many songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of fragmented sections.
  • Vocal delivery varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring spoken word elements while others employ melodic singing.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • playful melodies for lighthearted moments
  • steady pacing for focused engagement
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • experimental sounds spark curiosity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • avoid eclectic and unpredictable sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Breakup Song is Deerhoof's eleventh studio album, following their acclaimed record Deerhoof vs. Evil from 2011. At this point, the band had established a reputation for their eclectic sound and avant-garde approach, solidifying their place within the experimental music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Battles· Tera Melos· Hella

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Breakup Songs 2:02
  • 2 There’s That Grin 3:18
  • 3 Bad Kids to the Front 2:32
  • 4 Zero Seconds Pause 2:51
  • 5 Mothball the Fleet 3:14
  • 6 Flower 2:21
  • 7 To Fly or Not to Fly 1:45
  • 8 The Trouble With Candyhands 3:03
  • 9 We Do Parties 3:01
  • 10 Mario’s Flaming Whiskers III 2:30
  • 11 Fête d’adieu 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata