Living Thing cover

Living Thing

Peter Bjorn and John · 2009

47 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

A vibrant mix of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush, psychedelic soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nothing to Worry About — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and optimistic message, encapsulating the album’s playful yet reflective spirit. Its infectious chorus highlights the band's knack for crafting catchy pop tunes.
  • →
    I Want You! — With its driving rhythm and captivating lyrics about longing, this song perfectly embodies the album's exploration of desire and connection. The energetic instrumentation complements the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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    Living Thing — The title track showcases a blend of introspection and exuberance, weaving together themes of existence and personal growth through vivid imagery. Its melodic structure makes it a standout in their discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with varied tempos and rich production, making it engaging yet not.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth introduces a more upbeat rhythm that carries through the next few songs.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with synths and guitars intertwining to create a rich soundscape that supports the vocal melodies.
  • The album includes moments of dynamic contrast, such as the shift from the energetic 'Nothing to Worry About' to the more introspective 'I’m Losing My Mind'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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
  • catchy melodies for background
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • mid-tempo flow for relaxation

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Living Thing is Peter Bjorn and John's fifth studio album, coming after their breakthrough hit 'Young Folks' in 2006. The band was at a pivotal moment, seeking to evolve their sound while maintaining the catchy pop elements that gained them recognition. This album followed a period of intense touring and marked a shift towards a more experimental approach.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· Phoenix· MGMT

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Feeling 3:08
  • 2 It Don’t Move Me 3:21
  • 3 Just the Past 5:11
  • 4 Nothing to Worry About 2:58
  • 5 I’m Losing My Mind 3:44
  • 6 Living Thing 4:39
  • 7 I Want You! 3:39
  • 8 Lay It Down 3:28
  • 9 Stay This Way 4:21
  • 10 Blue Period Picasso 4:36
  • 11 4 Out Of 5 4:08
  • 12 Last Night 4:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata