Laugh Track
The National · 2023
59 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and expansive soundscapes, weaving melancholy with moments of unexpected levity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alphabet City Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Weird Goodbyes — This track captures the essence of the album's emotional landscape, balancing somber reflections with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that lingers long after it's over.
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Laugh Track — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of finding humor in despair, featuring clever wordplay and a dynamic sound that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
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Space Invader — With its expansive instrumentation and layered vocals, this song exemplifies The National's ability to create an atmospheric sound while addressing feelings of isolation and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines introspective lyrics with expansive soundscapes, showcasing strong production and varied dynamics.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half introduces more abrupt shifts in tempo and mood.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that contrasts with the introspective lyrics.
- The album includes moments where vocal harmonies are used to emphasize emotional peaks, particularly in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- contemplative moments for reflection
- melancholic melodies with depth
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and innovation in their sound at this stage.
- Moods
- Melancholy· Introspective
- Career context
- Released on September 15, 2023, 'Laugh Track' comes as The National's ninth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'I Am Easy to Find' from 2019. At this stage in their career, the band continues to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature introspective approach, navigating themes of joy and sorrow intertwined with personal and societal reflections.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Interpol· The War on Drugs· Bon Iver
Tracklist
- 1 Alphabet City Start here 3:43
- 2 Deep End (Paul’s in Pieces) 4:29
- 3 Weird Goodbyes 5:04
- 4 Turn Off the House 4:35
- 5 Dreaming 3:46
- 6 Laugh Track 4:24
- 7 Space Invader 6:58
- 8 Hornets 4:35
- 9 Coat on a Hook 4:58
- 10 Tour Manager 4:26
- 11 Crumble 4:35
- 12 Smoke Detector 7:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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