Heads Will Roll
Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2009
8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock
An electrifying blend of dance-punk rhythms and fierce, anthemic choruses, punctuated by Karen O's commanding vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Heads Will Roll — This track encapsulates the album's vibrant energy with its infectious chorus and driving beat, representing a bold evolution in the band's sound.
-
→
Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit remix) — The remix transforms the original into a synth-heavy anthem, showcasing how the song transcended genres and reached broader audiences through electronic music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single combines infectious energy with strong production, making it a notable entry in the alternative rock scene.
What we noticed
- The track features a driving dance-punk beat with a consistent tempo that maintains high energy throughout.
- Karen O's vocals are layered with effects, creating a dynamic contrast between the verses and the anthemic chorus.
- The remix by Passion Pit introduces additional electronic elements, altering the original's texture while retaining its core melody.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established the band's reputation with a significant club hit and mainstream recognition.
- Themes
- dance-punk resurgence· electrifying nightlife
- Career context
- When 'Heads Will Roll' was released in 2009, Yeah Yeah Yeahs were riding high on the success of their previous album, 'Show Your Bones,' which had solidified their place in the indie rock scene. This single marked a return to a more upbeat sound, showcasing a shift towards dance music influences that would characterize their subsequent work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonic Youth· The Kills· Interpol
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Heads Will Roll
The climactic moment where the chorus repeats an invitation to dance amidst imagery of chaos.
This repetition not only amplifies the anthem's call to action but also juxtaposes the carefree tone against darker undertones within the lyrics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Heads Will Roll 3:43
- 2 Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit remix) 4:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.