In and Out of Control cover

In and Out of Control

The Raveonettes · 2009

37 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A whirlwind of fuzzy guitars and haunting harmonies that blend retro pop with dark, introspective themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed) — This track stands out for its audacious title and direct confrontation of a serious social issue, showcasing the band's willingness to tackle dark themes head-on.
  • →
    Gone Forever — With its melancholic melody and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of loss and longing, making it a poignant highlight.
  • →
    D.R.U.G.S. — The driving beat and catchy chorus combined with evocative imagery make this track a quintessential example of The Raveonettes' signature style, blending upbeat sounds with somber undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with darker themes, showcasing strong craftsmanship but uneven cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere, particularly in songs like 'Gone Forever' and 'Oh, I Buried You Today.'
  • The lyrics often tackle dark themes, with tracks like 'Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)' presenting provocative commentary.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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, consistent energy levels
  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • reflective late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'In and Out of Control' was released in January 2009, The Raveonettes were solidifying their place in the indie rock scene after their previous albums had garnered critical acclaim. This record marked their fourth studio effort and showcased a more expansive sound palette, building on the success of 'Pretty in Black' while exploring darker lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors
The Kills· Beach House· The Black Angels

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Suicide

    The stark portrayal of internal struggle emerges when the lyrics shift from vague allusions to a raw confrontation with despair.

    This candid approach to discussing mental health marks a significant moment within the album, breaking down barriers around stigma while enhancing emotional depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Bang! 2:53
  • 2 Gone Forever 3:35
  • 3 Last Dance 3:47
  • 4 Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed) 3:03
  • 5 Heart of Stone 3:55
  • 6 Oh, I Buried You Today 1:21
  • 7 Suicide 3:13
  • 8 D.R.U.G.S. 4:30
  • 9 Breaking Into Cars 3:07
  • 10 Break Up Girls! 4:00
  • 11 Wine 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata