What makes Crooked Teeth by Death Cab for Cutie notable?

Crooked Teeth received critical acclaim, helping to solidify Death Cab for Cutie's reputation as a leading band in the indie rock genre. The album's tracks have been featured in various media, contributing to the band's visibility and impact during a time when alternative music was gaining significant traction on mainstream charts. Released in 2006, Crooked Teeth came during Death Cab for Cutie's rise to mainstream success, following their acclaimed album Plans from 2005. This record showcased their signature sound while exploring deeper emotional themes, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene.

How many songs are on Crooked Teeth?

Crooked Teeth has 3 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Crooked Teeth

Death Cab for Cutie · 2006

9 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

Melodic indie rock intertwines introspective lyrics with a blend of urgency and melancholy, characteristic of the mid-2000s emo revival.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crooked Teeth — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, blending sharp imagery with raw emotion as it explores themes of vulnerability and disconnection.
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World Shut Your Mouth — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and urgent vocal delivery, reflecting a sense of frustration and longing that resonates throughout the album.
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Talking Like Turnstiles — This song features intricate lyrical storytelling that captures feelings of isolation and introspection, showcasing the band's ability to convey complex emotions through their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The record showcases strong songwriting and varied dynamics but lacks cohesion and broader impact.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving rhythm with layered guitar melodies that create a sense of urgency.
Each song has distinct dynamics, with 'World Shut Your Mouth' incorporating a quieter, more introspective verse before building to a louder chorus.
The final track, 'Talking Like Turnstiles,' employs a gradual build-up, introducing new instrumental elements throughout its duration.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans but not the most accessible entry point for new listeners.
Themes: emotional disconnection· mid-2000s introspection· vulnerable storytelling
Career context: Released in 2006, Crooked Teeth came during Death Cab for Cutie's rise to mainstream success, following their acclaimed album Plans from 2005. This record showcased their signature sound while exploring deeper emotional themes, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Postal Service· Bright Eyes· Ben Gibbard