My Solo Project cover

My Solo Project

Mates of State · 2000

33 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

Bright harmonies and playful instrumentation weave together intimate narratives in this vibrant indie pop debut.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Proofs — This track showcases the duo's signature blend of catchy melodies and intricate vocal harmonies, making it a standout representation of their sound.
  • →
    What I Could Stand For — With its introspective lyrics and driving rhythm, this track exemplifies the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.
  • →
    Nice Things That Look Good — This song captures the playful yet poignant nature of Mates of State's songwriting, combining upbeat instrumentation with reflective themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases engaging melodies and playful arrangements, establishing a distinct indie pop sound.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered vocal harmonies, establishing a lively tone that persists through the early part of the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as toy pianos and handclaps, adding a playful texture to the sound.
  • The album's lyrics often present intimate narratives, with a focus on personal experiences and relationships, which are delivered in a conversational style.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • playful narratives for lighthearted moments
  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • intimate melodies for personal reflection
  • bright harmonies that uplift spirits

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, drawn-out compositions
  • seek heavy emotional weight

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2000, My Solo Project is Mates of State's debut album, introducing their unique blend of indie pop to the music scene. At this point, the husband-and-wife duo was beginning to carve out their niche, characterized by layered vocal harmonies and intricate keyboard arrangements that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Tennis· The Weepies· Of Monsters and Men

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Names 0:51
  • 2 Proofs 2:17
  • 3 What I Could Stand For 3:22
  • 4 La'hov 3:46
  • 5 Nice Things That Look Good 4:27
  • 6 A Control Group 3:00
  • 7 Throw Down 2:31
  • 8 I Have Space 2:26
  • 9 Everyone Needs an Editor 2:54
  • 10 Tan/Black 3:57
  • 11 Ride Again 3:40
  • 12 More in Me 0:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata