Employment cover

Employment

Kaiser Chiefs · 2005

44 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Energetic guitar riffs and catchy hooks combine with sharp, observational lyrics reflecting youthful disillusionment in early 2000s Britain.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Predict a Riot — This track captures the band's signature sound with its infectious chorus and commentary on urban life, becoming a defining anthem of the mid-2000s.
  • →
    Oh My God — With its anthemic structure and relatable themes of frustration and longing, this song showcases the band's knack for blending rock energy with introspective lyrics.
  • →
    Everyday I Love You Less and Less — The album opener sets the tone with its punchy instrumentation and biting lyrics about disillusionment in relationships, exemplifying the band's wit and energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Energetic riffs and sharp lyrics create a distinct sound reflective of early 2000s British indie rock.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining this pace through the first half before introducing more varied dynamics in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between the lead vocals and backing harmonies, enhancing the anthemic quality of the songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
  • immediate hooks and energy
  • short, punchy listening sessions
  • upbeat motivational vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Kaiser Chiefs as a key player in the Britpop revival.
Career context
Released on March 7, 2005, 'Employment' marked Kaiser Chiefs' debut album, establishing them as a key player in the Britpop revival. The band had gained initial recognition with their energetic live performances, but this album propelled them into mainstream success and critical acclaim, featuring a sound that blended indie rock with power pop influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Franz Ferdinand· The Futureheads· Bloc Party

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Everyday I Love You Less and Less 3:37
  • 2 I Predict a Riot 3:53
  • 3 Modern Way 4:03
  • 4 Na Na Na Na Naa 3:01
  • 5 You Can Have It All 4:35
  • 6 Oh My God 3:35
  • 7 Born to Be a Dancer 3:30
  • 8 Saturday Night 3:27
  • 9 What Did I Ever Give You? 4:09
  • 10 Time Honoured Tradition 2:45
  • 11 Caroline, Yes 4:12
  • 12 Team Mate 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata