What makes In a Poem Unlimited by U.S. Girls notable?

This album received widespread acclaim, appearing on numerous year-end lists and earning a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize in 2019. Its innovative approach to structure and lyrical content has influenced a range of artists in the indie and avant-garde scenes. In a Poem Unlimited marks U.S. Girls' fifth studio album, released during a period of growing recognition following the critical success of their previous album, Half Free. The band, led by Meghan Remy, utilized this record to further explore themes of identity and societal norms while diversifying their sound.

Who is In a Poem Unlimited for?

In a Poem Unlimited works well if you're into kaleidoscopic sound explorations, short bursts of incisive commentary and cathartic reflections on identity.

How many songs are on In a Poem Unlimited?

In a Poem Unlimited has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

In a Poem Unlimited

U.S. Girls · 2018

37 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

An eclectic blend of avant-pop, post-punk rhythms, and experimental arrangements that challenge conventional song structures.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Velvet 4 Sale — This track opens the album with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics that set the stage for the explorations of desire and disillusionment throughout the record.
→
Rage of Plastics — The song captures the tension between consumer culture and personal integrity through its catchy hooks and pointed commentary, reflecting a central theme of the album.
→
Why Do I Lose My Voice When I Have Something to Say? — At just 25 seconds, this brief interlude effectively encapsulates feelings of frustration and silencing, serving as a poignant transition within the larger narrative of the album.
→
Time — The closing track offers a sprawling reflection on mortality and existence, combining lush instrumentation with philosophical musings that resonate deeply with the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative structures and eclectic sound make it stand out in indie rock, rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

Many songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with instrumental sections, creating a dense soundscape.
The use of spoken word segments interspersed with sung lyrics adds an experimental edge to the narrative flow of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
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

kaleidoscopic sound explorations
short bursts of incisive commentary
cathartic reflections on identity
playful experimentation with structure

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song formats
seek long, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: In a Poem Unlimited marks U.S. Girls' fifth studio album, released during a period of growing recognition following the critical success of their previous album, Half Free. The band, led by Meghan Remy, utilized this record to further explore themes of identity and societal norms while diversifying their sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Faye Webster· Big Thief· Angel Olsen