What makes Duck by Kaiser Chiefs notable?

'Duck' received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for its vibrant energy and lyrical wit. The album debuted at number eight on the UK Albums Chart, reaffirming the band's continued relevance in the competitive indie rock landscape. Released on July 26, 2019, 'Duck' is the Kaiser Chiefs' sixth studio album, following their 2016 release 'Stay Together.' At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift towards a more eclectic sound while still retaining their signature anthemic style, showcasing both maturation and experimentation.

Duck works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, catchy hooks for road trips and vibrant melodies for gatherings.

How many songs are on Duck?

Duck has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Duck

Kaiser Chiefs · 2019

40 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

Energetic indie rock infused with sharp wit and catchy hooks, reflecting a playful attitude toward contemporary life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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People Know How to Love One Another — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious chorus and upbeat rhythm, encapsulating the band's witty exploration of human relationships.
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Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something — This track stands out for its call to action and punchy instrumentation, reflecting a sense of urgency that resonates throughout the album.
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Kurt vs Frasier (The Battle for Seattle) — Featuring clever lyrics that juxtapose pop culture references with deeper themes of conflict, this track showcases the band’s ability to blend humor with social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic songwriting with witty lyrics but lacks standout depth or cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocals, enhancing the playful and interactive feel of the record.
The lyrics often employ humor and social commentary, with recurring themes of modern life woven throughout the tracks.

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: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
catchy hooks for road trips
vibrant melodies for gatherings
uplifting energy for mornings

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike consistent pacing

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in their catalog but lacks the broader recognition of earlier works.
Career context: Released on July 26, 2019, 'Duck' is the Kaiser Chiefs' sixth studio album, following their 2016 release 'Stay Together.' At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift towards a more eclectic sound while still retaining their signature anthemic style, showcasing both maturation and experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors: Franz Ferdinand· The Futureheads· Bloc Party