What makes Joker & the Thief by Wolfmother notable?

'Joker & the Thief' not only reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart but also became an anthem for a generation, influencing bands within the stoner rock and hard rock scenes. Its use in various media, including video games and commercials, further solidified its cultural impact. Released on October 26, 2005, 'Joker & the Thief' marked Wolfmother's breakthrough single, establishing them as a major player in the rock revival scene. This was just after their self-titled debut album, which had already garnered significant attention and acclaim, setting the stage for their commercial success.

How many songs are on Joker & the Thief?

Joker & the Thief has 4 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Released 21 years ago this October

Joker & the Thief

Wolfmother · 2005

22 min · 4 tracks · hard rock

A thunderous blend of hard rock riffs and psychedelic elements that channels the spirit of classic rock with a modern twist.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Joker & the Thief — The title track combines infectious guitar riffs with dynamic vocals, encapsulating the band's signature sound and serving as a rallying cry for rock enthusiasts.
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Vagabond (acoustic) — This acoustic version showcases a softer side of Wolfmother, highlighting lyrical depth and emotional resonance while maintaining their characteristic energy.
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Where Eagles Have Been (live) — 'Where Eagles Have Been' exemplifies the band's ability to captivate live audiences with its powerful delivery and engaging instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production, but its cohesion suffers due to the inclusion of remixes and live tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving tempo with heavy guitar riffs and a prominent vocal delivery that emphasizes its anthemic quality.
The remix included alters the original's structure, adding electronic elements while maintaining the core melody.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single established Wolfmother's reputation in the rock revival scene.
Themes: rock revival spirit· vagabond wanderlust
Career context: Released on October 26, 2005, 'Joker & the Thief' marked Wolfmother's breakthrough single, establishing them as a major player in the rock revival scene. This was just after their self-titled debut album, which had already garnered significant attention and acclaim, setting the stage for their commercial success.
Stylistic neighbors: Queens of the Stone Age· The Black Keys· Rival Sons

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Joker & the Thief

The bridge shifts into a call-and-response structure that unites listeners in an electrifying chant.

This structural choice elevates audience participation, making it a communal experience during live performances.