What makes Crooked Timber by Therapy? notable?

'Crooked Timber' received positive reviews from critics, marking a return to form for the band. The album peaked at number 15 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, illustrating its impact within the alternative music scene during that time. Released in 2009, 'Crooked Timber' is Therapy?'s tenth studio album, following the 2006 release 'One Cure Fits All'. At this point, the band was navigating a transitional phase, having experienced fluctuating commercial success and lineup changes that influenced their sound and approach.

Who is Crooked Timber for?

Crooked Timber works well if you're into gritty exploration of mental struggle, dynamic flow with emotional peaks and engaging narrative through introspection.

How many songs are on Crooked Timber?

Crooked Timber has 10 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Crooked Timber

Therapy? · 2009

49 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A visceral blend of alternative metal and noise rock, capturing raw emotion through heavy riffs and jagged melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Enjoy the Struggle — This track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and perseverance, combining driving rhythms with contemplative lyrics about facing life's challenges.
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Exiles — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, 'Exiles' showcases the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with emotional depth, making it a standout moment.
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Crooked Timber — The title track serves as a focal point for the album's exploration of imperfection and struggle, featuring complex arrangements that highlight the band's sonic evolution.
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Magic Mountain — 'Magic Mountain' stands out for its ambitious length and layered composition, offering a deep dive into the band's experimental side while maintaining their core sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines heavy riffs with emotional themes, showcasing strong songwriting but uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a frenetic pace.
The lyrics often reflect themes of struggle and disillusionment, which are matched by the raw intensity of the instrumentation throughout.

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

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

gritty exploration of mental struggle
dynamic flow with emotional peaks
engaging narrative through introspection
for reflective afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and a return to form in the band's evolving sound.
Career context: Released in 2009, 'Crooked Timber' is Therapy?'s tenth studio album, following the 2006 release 'One Cure Fits All'. At this point, the band was navigating a transitional phase, having experienced fluctuating commercial success and lineup changes that influenced their sound and approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Helmet· Quicksand· Alice in Chains