Chutes Too Narrow cover

Chutes Too Narrow

The Shins · 2003

33 min · 10 tracks · folk rock · indie pop · indie rock

A vibrant tapestry of melodic hooks and introspective lyrics wrapped in shimmering indie pop soundscapes.

Why this album works

'Chutes Too Narrow' received widespread acclaim, ranking highly on numerous year-end lists and reaching number 30 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its influence extended to popular culture, with the song 'New Slang' being credited with helping to define the sound of early 2000s indie music and even inspiring a new wave of artists.
Best for
steady mid-tempo reflective moments introspective melodies for daydreaming melodic hooks that linger
Context
Released on October 21, 2003, 'Chutes Too Narrow' was The Shins' sophomore album, following their critically acclaimed debut 'Oh, Inverted World'. This album solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing a maturation in songwriting and production while building on the success of their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
Miya Folick· The Cranberries· John Mayer

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Kissing the Lipless Standout 3:19
  • 2 Mine’s Not a High Horse 3:20
  • 3 So Says I 2:48
  • 4 Young Pilgrims 2:47
  • 5 Saint Simon Standout 4:25
  • 6 Fighting in a Sack 2:26
  • 7 Pink Bullets Standout 3:53
  • 8 Turn a Square 3:11
  • 9 Gone for Good 3:13
  • 10 Those to Come 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata