What makes Masseduction by St. Vincent notable?

Masseduction received widespread acclaim from critics, landing on numerous year-end lists and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. The lead single, 'New York', became a cultural touchstone, resonating with listeners through its poignant exploration of heartbreak and nostalgia. Released in 2017, Masseduction is St. Vincent's fifth studio album and follows her critically acclaimed self-titled record from 2014. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a powerful voice in art rock, known for her innovative approach to music and performance.

Who is Masseduction for?

Masseduction works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, sharp wit in lyrical content and late-night reflective listening.

How many songs are on Masseduction?

Masseduction has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Masseduction

St. Vincent · 2017

41 min · 13 tracks · indie pop

A kaleidoscopic blend of sharp synths and introspective lyrics, reflecting the complexities of modern love and identity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New York — This track stands out for its heartfelt lyrics that capture the sense of loss connected to a beloved city, showcasing St. Vincent's lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
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Masseduction — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of desire and disillusionment, driven by a catchy chorus that contrasts sharply with its darker undertones.
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Los Ageless — With its infectious beat and incisive commentary on aging and superficiality, this track exemplifies the album's blend of pop sensibility and critical reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow that balances energetic and introspective moments.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity, leading into more upbeat songs like 'Pills' and 'Masseduction'.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate synth arrangements, creating a dense soundscape that evolves throughout the record.
The last three tracks shift to a more introspective tone, with slower tempos and minimal instrumentation, providing a contrast to the earlier energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
sharp wit in lyrical content
late-night reflective listening
kaleidoscopic sound explorations
emotional highs and lows

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2017, Masseduction is St. Vincent's fifth studio album and follows her critically acclaimed self-titled record from 2014. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a powerful voice in art rock, known for her innovative approach to music and performance.
Stylistic neighbors: Bat for Lashes· Grimes· Fiona Apple