What makes Hot Thoughts by Spoon notable?

Hot Thoughts debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for Spoon. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with reviews highlighting its eclectic sound and innovative songwriting, illustrating the band's ability to evolve without losing their core identity. Released in 2017, Hot Thoughts is Spoon's ninth studio album and follows their critically acclaimed 2014 release, They Want My Soul. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation as indie rock stalwarts while exploring new sonic territories with more experimental production techniques.

Who is Hot Thoughts for?

Hot Thoughts works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual peaks, introspective moments for reflection and for casual listening.

How many songs are on Hot Thoughts?

Hot Thoughts has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Hot Thoughts

Spoon · 2017

41 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental textures and tight melodies that captures the essence of modern indie rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hot Thoughts — The title track opens the album with a pulsating rhythm and infectious hooks, showcasing Spoon's signature blend of art rock and pop sensibilities.
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Can I Sit Next to You — This track stands out for its groovy bassline and catchy chorus, encapsulating the playful yet introspective nature of the album's themes around connection.
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I Ain’t the One — With its driving beat and sharp lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's knack for merging urgency with lyrical wit, creating a compelling listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Do I Have to Talk You Into It', which shifts from a laid-back groove to a more frenetic pace.
The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with tracks like 'WhisperI’lllistentohearit' featuring unexpected breaks and transitions.
The final track, 'Us', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling that contrasts with the more structured earlier songs.

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: 8/10
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 pacing with gradual peaks
introspective moments for reflection
for casual listening
vibrant soundscapes to explore

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Spoon's artistic evolution with significant acclaim.
Career context: Released in 2017, Hot Thoughts is Spoon's ninth studio album and follows their critically acclaimed 2014 release, They Want My Soul. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation as indie rock stalwarts while exploring new sonic territories with more experimental production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: The National· Wilco· Interpol