Lincoln
They Might Be Giants · 1988
39 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
Quirky melodies intertwine with clever lyrics, creating a playful yet introspective exploration of everyday life and absurdity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ana Ng Start here — This track became a defining hit for the band, showcasing their signature blend of catchy hooks and clever storytelling about longing and connection.
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Cage & Aquarium — A brief yet poignant song that illustrates their penchant for juxtaposing whimsical imagery with deeper emotional themes, encapsulating the album's quirky essence.
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Kiss Me, Son of God — This track stands out with its introspective lyrics addressing faith and identity, reflecting the band's ability to tackle complex themes with humor and charm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases clever writing and distinctive sound but lacks some cohesion in its extensive tracklist.
What we noticed
- Many songs incorporate playful instrumentation, such as accordion and brass, which contribute to the quirky sound.
- Lyrically, the album often juxtaposes mundane topics with absurd imagery, creating a unique narrative style across the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- whimsical narratives for curious minds
- quick bursts of playful energy
- dynamic collection of short tracks
- light-hearted sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek serious or heavy themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped establish their reputation with the hit single 'Ana Ng' and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- quirky narratives· childhood memories
- Career context
- Lincoln was They Might Be Giants' second studio album, released in 1988, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to establish their unique sound and cult following, particularly through their innovative use of unconventional instruments and witty lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Weezer· OK Go
Tracklist
- 1 Ana Ng Start here 3:23
- 2 Cowtown 2:20
- 3 Lie Still, Little Bottle 2:06
- 4 Purple Toupee 2:40
- 5 Cage & Aquarium 1:10
- 6 Where Your Eyes Don’t Go 3:06
- 7 Piece of Dirt 2:00
- 8 Mr. Me 1:52
- 9 Pencil Rain 2:42
- 10 The World’s Address 2:24
- 11 I’ve Got a Match 2:37
- 12 Santa’s Beard 1:55
- 13 You’ll Miss Me 1:54
- 14 They’ll Need a Crane 2:33
- 15 Shoehorn With Teeth 1:13
- 16 Stand on Your Own Head 1:16
- 17 Snowball in Hell 2:31
- 18 Kiss Me, Son of God 1:52
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Shares whimsical storytelling and eclectic instrumentation, blending humor with heartfelt themes.
Gulag Orkestar
Beirut
Combines playful melodies and rich, diverse sounds to create a nostalgic yet quirky atmosphere.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Features intricate narratives and lush arrangements that evoke childhood memories with a quirky perspective.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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