What makes How to Be a Human Being by Glass Animals notable?

The album was well-received by critics, landing on several year-end lists and reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Its lead single 'Life Itself' garnered significant radio play and helped solidify Glass Animals' place within the alternative pop scene, influencing a wave of genre-blending artists. Released on August 26, 2016, How to Be a Human Being is Glass Animals' sophomore album, following their debut Zaba from 2014. After achieving critical success with Zaba, the band aimed to expand their sound and lyrical depth, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural experiences during their travels.

Who is How to Be a Human Being for?

How to Be a Human Being works well if you're into vibrant exploration of identity, introspective lyrics with energy and playful yet reflective atmosphere.

How many songs are on How to Be a Human Being?

How to Be a Human Being has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

How to Be a Human Being

Glass Animals · 2016

42 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vivid tapestry of eclectic sounds blending electronic beats with organic textures and introspective lyrics about modern life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Life Itself — This track combines infectious melodies with poignant lyrics about life's unpredictability, setting the tone for the album's exploration of human experience.
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Pork Soda — With its quirky production and playful lyrics, this song stands out as an encapsulation of the album's whimsical yet introspective nature.
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Agnes — The emotional core of the album, this track dives into themes of love and loss, showcasing the band's ability to balance upbeat soundscapes with deeper sentiments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album combines eclectic sounds and introspective lyrics, creating a distinctive yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Life Itself', which sets a vibrant tone that persists through the first half.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and varied dynamics, keeping the listener engaged.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of modern life and identity, with each track presenting a distinct narrative or perspective.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant exploration of identity
introspective lyrics with energy
playful yet reflective atmosphere
engaging storytelling through sound

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on August 26, 2016, How to Be a Human Being is Glass Animals' sophomore album, following their debut Zaba from 2014. After achieving critical success with Zaba, the band aimed to expand their sound and lyrical depth, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural experiences during their travels.
Stylistic neighbors: Tame Impala· alt-J· Foster the People