Obviously cover

Obviously

Lake Street Dive · 2021

39 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz-infused pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics that capture the complexities of modern relationships.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hypotheticals — The opening track sets the tone with its catchy hooks and explores the idea of possibility in relationships, showcasing the band's signature blend of playful lyrics and infectious melodies.
  • →
    Being a Woman — This track tackles gender identity and societal expectations with both humor and sincerity, making it a standout moment that resonates with contemporary conversations about womanhood.
  • →
    Hush Money — With its punchy rhythm and sharp lyrics, this song critiques the pressures of societal norms while maintaining an upbeat feel, highlighting the band's ability to mix serious themes with accessible music.

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 showcases strong melodies and arrangements but maintains a familiar sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong melodic hooks, while the fourth track shifts to a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Several songs incorporate intricate vocal harmonies that intertwine with brass instrumentation, creating a rich textural layer.
  • The album closes with a ballad that gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful emotional release.
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

  • vibrant instrumentation for lively moments
  • sharp lyrical wit for thoughtful
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • playful energy for social gatherings
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced introspection seekers
  • long, drawn-out listening preferences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on March 12, 2021, Obviously is Lake Street Dive's sixth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2018 effort, Free Yourself Up. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound and gained a devoted fanbase, allowing them to explore more personal and introspective themes in their songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Snarky Puppy· The New Mastersounds· Vulfpeck

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hypotheticals 3:50
  • 2 Hush Money 2:48
  • 3 Same Old News 4:37
  • 4 Being a Woman 2:50
  • 5 Making Do 3:34
  • 6 Nobody’s Stopping You Now 3:48
  • 7 Know That I Know 4:03
  • 8 Lackluster Lover 3:30
  • 9 Anymore 4:11
  • 10 Feels Like the Last Time 3:19
  • 11 Sarah 2:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata