What makes I Thought I Was an Alien by Soko notable?

The album received positive critical reception, notably being praised by outlets like Pitchfork for its charmingly eccentric style and emotive honesty. It helped establish Soko as a distinctive voice in the indie pop scene, contributing to an increasing interest in French pop artists during the early 2010s. I Thought I Was an Alien is Soko's debut album, released in 2012 after she gained initial recognition for her singles and performances. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a budding indie pop artist to a more established musician, showcasing her unique sound and artistic vision.

How many songs are on I Thought I Was an Alien?

I Thought I Was an Alien has 14 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

I Thought I Was an Alien

Soko · 2012

45 min · 14 tracks · pop music

A whimsical blend of playful melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of youthful uncertainty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Thought I Was an Alien — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of alienation with its catchy chorus and relatable exploration of feeling out of place.
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People Always Look Better in the Sun — With its bright instrumentation paired with reflective lyrics, this track highlights Soko's ability to juxtapose upbeat sounds with deeper emotional themes.
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We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow — This song combines urgency with vulnerability, presenting a poignant reminder of life's fleeting nature through its melodic structure and heartfelt lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics creates a unique but somewhat uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
Lyrically, the album oscillates between playful and introspective themes, often within the same song.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow

The moment shifts from contemplating mortality to embracing spontaneity in relationships, urging listeners to seize the day.

This transition emphasizes a contrast between existential dread and the liberating potential of living fully, showcasing Soko's lyrical depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I Just Want to Make It New With You 2:21
2 I Thought I Was an Alien 2:18
3 People Always Look Better in the Sun 2:18
4 We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow 2:41
5 No More Home, No More Love 2:36
6 For Marlon 3:23
7 First Love Never Die 4:22
8 Treat Your Woman Right 4:19
9 How Are You 3:45
10 Don't You Touch Me 3:22
11 Destruction of the Disgusting Ugly Hate 3:55
12 Happy Hippie Birthday 4:01
13 I've Been Alone Too Long 4:44
14 Why Don't You Eat Me Now You Can 1:28

What to play next

Listen next

My Dreams Dictate My Reality

2015

Go back to

DR P3 Live

2007

Full Soko discography Artists like Soko

pop music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata