What makes Odd Blood by Yeasayer notable?

The album received widespread acclaim, with particular praise from publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, which helped elevate Yeasayer's profile in the indie music scene. It produced notable singles such as Ambling Alp and O.N.E., both of which charted well and contributed to the band's reputation for innovative soundscapes. Odd Blood is Yeasayer's sophomore album, released in 2010, following their critically acclaimed debut, All Hour Cymbals. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound that combined elements of world music, psychedelia, and pop, aiming for broader appeal while maintaining their experimental roots.

How many songs are on Odd Blood?

Odd Blood has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Odd Blood

Yeasayer · 2010

39 min · 10 tracks · experimental music

A kaleidoscopic blend of eclectic sounds, merging danceable rhythms with introspective lyrics and experimental instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ambling Alp — This track stands out for its infectious chorus and motivational lyrics that encourage resilience, embodying the album's blend of upbeat melodies with deeper thematic content.
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O.N.E. — Featuring a compelling mix of electronic beats and organic instrumentation, this track encapsulates Yeasayer's signature style and highlights their knack for merging genres.
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Madder Red — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics about love and loss, this track showcases the emotional depth present throughout Odd Blood while maintaining an experimental edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic sound and experimental approach create a distinct listening experience, though its cohesion dips slightly.

What we noticed

The album opens with a layered vocal harmony that sets a whimsical tone, followed by a shift to more rhythmic and danceable tracks.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as the transition from 'Ambling Alp' to 'Madder Red', which alters the emotional landscape.
The use of unconventional instruments, like synthesizers and hand percussion, creates a diverse sonic palette that varies significantly from track to track.

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

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Madder Red

The lyrics shift from nostalgic reminiscence to a stark realization of heartbreak represents a pivotal emotional turn in the song.

This transition deepens the complexity of the song's narrative by juxtaposing fond memories against the painful recognition of loss.

Tracklist

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

1 The Children 3:14
2 Ambling Alp 3:57
3 Madder Red 4:05
4 I Remember 4:25
5 O.N.E. 5:25
6 Love Me Girl 5:02
7 Rome 3:50
8 Strange Reunions 2:37
9 Mondegreen 4:39
10 Grizelda 2:40

What to play next

Listen next

Fragrant World

2012

Go back to

All Hour Cymbals

2007

Full Yeasayer discography Artists like Yeasayer

experimental music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata