What makes Habits by Neon Trees notable?

The album features the hit single 'Animal,' which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received significant airplay on alternative rock radio stations. Habits was well-received critically, earning a spot on several year-end lists and contributing to the resurgence of upbeat rock music in the early 2010s. Habits is the debut studio album by Neon Trees, released in 2010 following their self-titled EP. At this point, the band was establishing their sound and identity in the alternative rock scene, aiming to capitalize on their early buzz from live performances and initial singles.

Habits works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, catchy hooks for easy listening and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on Habits?

Habits has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Habits

Neon Trees · 2010

37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Energetic alternative rock infused with catchy melodies and a blend of introspective lyrics and danceable rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Animal — The standout track that catapulted the band into mainstream recognition, blending infectious hooks with themes of desire and escapism.
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Sins of My Youth — This opener sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics about nostalgia and youthful recklessness, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Your Surrender — A poignant mix of vulnerability and yearning, this track demonstrates the band's ability to balance catchy melodies with emotional resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic rock with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving beat and layered instrumentation that sets a high-energy tone, particularly evident in the first three tracks.
Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, creating an engaging dynamic between the lead singer and backing vocals.
The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier energetic songs and allowing for introspection.

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

steady, consistent energy levels
catchy hooks for easy listening
mid-tempo reflective moments
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Habits is the debut studio album by Neon Trees, released in 2010 following their self-titled EP. At this point, the band was establishing their sound and identity in the alternative rock scene, aiming to capitalize on their early buzz from live performances and initial singles.
Stylistic neighbors: Foster the People· Panic! at the Disco· The 1975