Is Heartworms a good place to start with The Shins?

Yes, Heartworms is recommended as a starting point for new The Shins listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics unfolds in a dreamlike indie pop landscape. By the time 'Heartworms' was released in 2017, The Shins had established themselves as a staple of indie rock since their breakthrough album 'Oh, Inverted World' in 2001. This fifth studio album arrived after a five-year hiatus following 'Port of Morrow', showcasing a more experimental sound while still maintaining the band's signature melodic charm.

Who is Heartworms for?

Heartworms works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation and for afternoon daydreaming.

How many songs are on Heartworms?

Heartworms has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Heartworms

The Shins · 2017

41 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics unfolds in a dreamlike indie pop landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Fear (flipped) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Dead Alive — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that reflect on existential themes, encapsulating the album's exploration of deeper emotional currents.
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Name for You — As one of the most catchy tracks, it combines upbeat instrumentation with reflective lyrics about identity and connection, embodying the album's core essence.
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Heartworms — The title track showcases a lush soundscape with intricate arrangements, illustrating the band's artistic growth while delving into themes of longing and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features layered vocal harmonies and a steady mid-tempo beat, setting a reflective tone.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in dynamics, such as 'Rubber Ballz', which contrasts quiet verses with explosive choruses.
The final track employs a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling that echoes the themes explored throughout.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation
for afternoon daydreaming
consistent flow for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Noted for ambitious production and lyrical depth, marking a high point in their catalog.
Themes: identity connection· dreamlike landscapes
Career context: By the time 'Heartworms' was released in 2017, The Shins had established themselves as a staple of indie rock since their breakthrough album 'Oh, Inverted World' in 2001. This fifth studio album arrived after a five-year hiatus following 'Port of Morrow', showcasing a more experimental sound while still maintaining the band's signature melodic charm.
Stylistic neighbors: Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes· Sufjan Stevens