Released 10 years ago
Heads Up
Warpaint · 2016
51 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal harmonies and intricate rhythms intertwine, creating a dreamy landscape that oscillates between introspection and vibrant energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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New Song — As the lead single, New Song encapsulates the album's vibrant energy and showcases the band's ability to blend catchy melodies with complex instrumentation.
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Heads Up — The title track serves as a culmination of the album's themes, featuring dynamic shifts that mirror the emotional journey throughout the record.
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So Good — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and layered vocals, highlighting the band's knack for blending art rock with accessible pop elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate rhythms and ethereal harmonies, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several songs utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, often intertwining with intricate guitar lines.
- The album includes moments of abrupt transitions between sections, which contribute to its experimental feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dreamy soundscapes for introspection
- vibrant energy for late nights
- intricate rhythms for focused listening
- emotional resonance in every track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- seek immediate, catchy satisfaction
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 23, 2016, Heads Up marked Warpaint's third studio album, coming four years after their self-titled sophomore effort. The band was navigating a period of artistic exploration, incorporating diverse influences while maintaining their signature atmospheric sound. This album followed lineup changes and showcased the group's evolution in songwriting and production approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Beach House· Bat for Lashes· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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New Song
The verses build tension through a repetitive structure that eventually breaks into an expansive chorus filled with layered harmonies.
This shift from tight rhythmic patterns to an open, soaring chorus illustrates the band's skill in crafting dynamic contrasts that enhance emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Whiteout 4:42
- 2 By Your Side 4:32
- 3 New Song 4:16
- 4 The Stall 4:55
- 5 So Good 5:59
- 6 Don’t Wanna 3:42
- 7 Don’t Let Go 4:21
- 8 Dre 3:58
- 9 Heads Up 4:57
- 10 Above Control 5:05
- 11 Today Dear 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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