What makes If... by The Bluetones notable?

If... debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the band's immediate impact in the music industry. It was well-received by critics, who praised its melodic charm and lyrical depth, marking The Bluetones as key players in the Britpop movement of the late '90s. Released as The Bluetones' debut album, If... marked a significant moment in their career as they transitioned from underground favorites to mainstream recognition. The album followed their successful single 'Slight Return', which had already begun to establish their presence in the Britpop scene.

How many songs are on If...?

If... has 3 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

If...

The Bluetones · 1998

10 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of late '90s British indie rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If... — The title track sets the tone for the album with its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics, encapsulating the band's distinctive sound and lyrical style.
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Blue Shadows — This track highlights the band's ability to blend melancholic themes with upbeat melodies, showcasing their unique approach to songwriting.
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The Watchman — The song stands out for its vivid storytelling and engaging instrumentation, representing the band's knack for creating evocative musical narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and varied tempos, marking a solid debut for The Bluetones.

What we noticed

The title track opens with a bright guitar riff that sets a lively tone, followed by a shift to more subdued instrumentation in 'Blue Shadows'.
Each song features distinct melodic hooks, with the vocals often layered harmonically to enhance the emotional impact.
The final track, 'The Watchman', introduces a slower tempo and reflective lyrics, creating a contrast with the preceding tracks.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 If... 5:11
2 Blue Shadows 2:37
3 The Watchman 2:56

What to play next

Listen next

Science & Nature

2000

Go back to

Return to the Last Chance Saloon

1998

Full The Bluetones discography Where to start with The Bluetones Artists like The Bluetones

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata