Go to School cover

Go to School

The Lemon Twigs · 2018

59 min · 16 tracks · art rock

A whimsical blend of theatrical rock and baroque pop, layered with vivid storytelling and lush instrumental arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Student Becomes the Teacher — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of growth and self-discovery through its engaging narrative about reversing roles in education.
  • →
    Queen of My School — With its catchy melody and introspective lyrics, this song effectively captures the longing and social dynamics of teenage life.
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    The Bully — The track tackles themes of conflict and vulnerability, highlighted by a dynamic arrangement that reflects the emotional turmoil of youth.
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    Rock Dreams — This song stands out for its nostalgic tone and exploration of aspirations within the music industry, resonating with both personal and universal ambitions.

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's ambitious storytelling and rich arrangements showcase The Lemon Twigs' unique style within art rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features a narrative arc that unfolds over its 16 tracks, with each song contributing to a larger story about a school experience.
  • Several tracks incorporate theatrical elements, including spoken word sections and varied vocal deliveries that shift between characters.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some songs maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down for introspective moments, creating dynamic contrasts.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • whimsical storytelling with charm
  • engaging narratives for curious minds
  • playful melodies for lighthearted moments
  • theatrical flair in every track
  • varied pacing for dynamic listening

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike theatrical or whimsical styles
  • prefer straightforward, concise songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Go to School is The Lemon Twigs' second studio album, following their debut, Do Hollywood, released in 2016. By this point, they were carving out a distinct niche in the art rock landscape, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical ambition while gaining attention for their dynamic live performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Foxygen· Tame Impala· The Flaming Lips

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Lesson

    A pivotal moment where the narrator confronts their own shortcomings directly, breaking down barriers of self-deception.

    This direct confrontation marks a shift in perspective that reframes earlier themes of innocence into a more complex understanding of personal responsibility.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Never in My Arms, Always in My Heart 2:59
  • 2 The Student Becomes the Teacher 3:09
  • 3 Rock Dreams 5:39
  • 4 The Lesson 3:13
  • 5 Small Victories 3:56
  • 6 Wonderin’ Ways 2:46
  • 7 The Bully 3:44
  • 8 Lonely 3:41
  • 9 Queen of My School 4:40
  • 10 Never Know 3:47
  • 11 Born Wrong / Heart Song 3:14
  • 12 The Fire 6:05
  • 13 Home of a Heart (The Woods) 4:11
  • 14 This Is My Tree 3:32
  • 15 If You Give Enough 2:49
  • 16 Go to School 1:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata