What makes Cut the Body Loose by Astronautalis notable?

The album received significant critical acclaim, landing on various best-of lists for the year and showcasing Astronautalis's unique lyrical style. It also solidified his position in the indie hip-hop scene, influencing upcoming artists by demonstrating that vulnerability and storytelling can coexist with genre-bending music. Released on January 1, 2016, 'Cut the Body Loose' is Astronautalis's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed 'This Is Our Science' in 2013. At this point in his career, he had established a reputation for blending genres and delivering personal narratives, showcasing his growth as an artist who was comfortable experimenting with sound and themes.

Who is Cut the Body Loose for?

Cut the Body Loose works well if you're into introspective storytelling with depth, short tracks for focused listening and emotional resonance in vivid lyrics.

How many songs are on Cut the Body Loose?

Cut the Body Loose has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Cut the Body Loose

Astronautalis · 2016

41 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop

A vivid blend of introspective storytelling and energetic beats, merging hip-hop with confessional lyricism and diverse musical influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kurt Cobain — This track serves as a poignant reflection on legacy and loss, using Cobain's life as a lens to explore personal struggles and societal pressures.
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Running Away From God — It encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of faith and doubt, featuring sharp wordplay and an urgent delivery that captures the internal conflict.
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Cut the Body Loose! — The title track embodies the album's core message of liberation and self-acceptance, blending upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics that encourage shedding burdens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical storytelling and diverse musical influences, making it a notable entry in indie hip-hop.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that blend rapid-fire verses with melodic hooks, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower-paced songs.
Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside electronic beats, creating a dynamic soundscape that varies from song to song.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, with some tracks featuring a call-and-response vocal style that engages the listener.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

introspective storytelling with depth
short tracks for focused listening
emotional resonance in vivid lyrics
dynamic shifts in pacing
late-night contemplative sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, cohesive pieces
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2016, 'Cut the Body Loose' is Astronautalis's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed 'This Is Our Science' in 2013. At this point in his career, he had established a reputation for blending genres and delivering personal narratives, showcasing his growth as an artist who was comfortable experimenting with sound and themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Sage Francis· Busdriver· Aesop Rock