What makes Night Shades by Cobra Starship notable?

Night Shades debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single You Make Me Feel..., which peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's commercial performance solidified Cobra Starship's place in the pop-punk scene during a time when electronic influences were becoming increasingly popular. Released on October 28, 2011, Night Shades was Cobra Starship's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with Hot Mess in 2009. At this point, the band was refining their sound, blending catchy melodies with electronic elements while maintaining their pop-punk roots.

Who is Night Shades for?

Night Shades works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, catchy hooks and melodies and danceable background ambiance.

How many songs are on Night Shades?

Night Shades has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 15 years ago this October

Night Shades

Cobra Starship · 2011

39 min · 10 tracks · pop-punk

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy infused with electro-pop hooks, perfect for dance floors and sing-alongs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Make Me Feel… — This track stands out as a quintessential party anthem, showcasing an infectious chorus and danceable beats that encapsulate the album’s vibrant spirit.
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#1Nite (One Night) — With its upbeat tempo and catchy hook, this song perfectly embodies the carefree attitude of youth, making it a staple for fans of pop-punk.
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Don’t Blame the World, It’s the DJ’s Fault — This track cleverly critiques nightlife culture while delivering an irresistible rhythm that invites listeners to dance and engage with its themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop-punk with electronic elements, showcasing catchy melodies but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a danceable tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half.
Several tracks feature electronic elements layered over traditional pop-punk instrumentation, creating a hybrid sound.
The lyrics often employ playful and humorous themes, which are consistent across multiple songs.
The final track shifts to a slower tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding energetic songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 hooks and melodies
danceable background ambiance
engaging sing-along moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 28, 2011, Night Shades was Cobra Starship's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough success with Hot Mess in 2009. At this point, the band was refining their sound, blending catchy melodies with electronic elements while maintaining their pop-punk roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy· Metro Station