What makes Hoops by The Rubens notable?

'Hoops' debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart and was met with favorable reviews for its catchy hooks and emotional depth. The album helped solidify The Rubens' position in the Australian alternative rock landscape, paving the way for future releases and wider recognition. Released on January 1, 2015, 'Hoops' is The Rubens' second studio album, following their self-titled debut from 2012. At this point in their career, the band was gaining traction within the Australian music scene, building on their initial success and exploring a more polished sound.

Hoops works well if you're into catchy anthems for group sing-alongs, energetic tracks for road trips and introspective moments during downtime.

How many songs are on Hoops?

Hoops has 16 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Hoops

The Rubens · 2015

50 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock melodies infused with soulful vocals and a touch of Australian grit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hallelujah — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious chorus and relatable themes of longing, showcasing the band's knack for melodic craftsmanship.
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Hoops — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its upbeat tempo and catchy refrain, embodying the blend of joy and introspection that defines their sound.
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Bitter End — This song features poignant lyrics about heartbreak paired with an engaging rhythm, illustrating the emotional range present throughout the album.

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 balances catchy melodies with emotional depth but lacks strong cohesion in its later tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.

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

catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
energetic tracks for road trips
introspective moments during downtime
short bursts of infectious energy

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
seek deep, complex narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2015, 'Hoops' is The Rubens' second studio album, following their self-titled debut from 2012. At this point in their career, the band was gaining traction within the Australian music scene, building on their initial success and exploring a more polished sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Temper Trap· Gang of Youths· Atlas Genius