What makes Mutant by Arca notable?

The album was critically acclaimed, appearing on numerous year-end lists and solidifying Arca's influence within the experimental and electronic music scenes. Its bold approach to identity and sexuality, particularly in tracks like Faggot, sparked discussions around representation in music and art. Mutant is Arca's second studio album, following the self-titled Arca released in 2014. By this time, Arca had established himself as a prominent figure in experimental music and had worked with artists like FKA twigs and Kanye West, bringing a unique vision to the mainstream.

Mutant works well if you're into wave-like pacing with interludes, exploratory themes of identity and haunting vocals for introspection.

How many songs are on Mutant?

Mutant has 20 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Mutant

Arca · 2015

62 min · 20 tracks · experimental music

A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-garde soundscapes, glitchy textures, and emotional vulnerability that challenges conventional pop structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Faggot — This track confronts themes of identity and sexuality head-on, blending abrasive sound elements with poignant emotional expression to challenge societal norms.
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Mutant — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, combining dissonant sounds with an unsettling yet captivating rhythm that mirrors the complexity of transformation.
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Alive — Opening the album, this track establishes a sense of urgency and vitality through its dynamic production, setting the stage for the rest of the sonic exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Arca's 'Mutant' stands out for its innovative sound design and emotional complexity, pushing boundaries in experimental music.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt shifts in texture and dynamics, with tracks often transitioning from serene soundscapes to chaotic bursts of noise.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid arrangements.

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: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 interludes
exploratory themes of identity
haunting vocals for introspection
dynamic flow for active listening
immersive experience with contrasts

Maybe skip if you

seeking straightforward song structures
prefer upbeat, instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Mutant showcases a deliberate departure from conventional pop, aligning with Arca's avant-garde style.
Career context: Mutant is Arca's second studio album, following the self-titled Arca released in 2014. By this time, Arca had established himself as a prominent figure in experimental music and had worked with artists like FKA twigs and Kanye West, bringing a unique vision to the mainstream.
Stylistic neighbors: FKA twigs· Sophie· Shygirl