Our Ill Wills cover

Our Ill Wills

Shout Out Louds · 2007

50 min · 13 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vibrant tapestry of indie pop that balances melancholy and hope.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tonight I Have to Leave It — The opening track encapsulates the album's essence with its urgent rhythm and soaring vocals, establishing a sense of emotional urgency that resonates throughout.
  • →
    Impossible — This track features a captivating blend of wistful melodies and poignant lyrics that explore themes of longing and regret, standing out as a highlight of emotional depth.
  • →
    Meat Is Murder — A bold cover that infuses the original's political message with a fresh indie pop twist, showcasing the band's ability to reinterpret classic themes while maintaining their unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album features lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature a consistent use of reverb on vocals and instruments, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
  • The album includes shifts in tempo, with tracks like 'Impossible' introducing a more upbeat rhythm before returning to slower, reflective pieces.
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
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
8/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with resolution
  • youthful introspection and nostalgia
  • dynamic journey through emotions
  • moments of shimmering melancholy

Maybe skip if you

  • want instant gratification
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Our Ill Wills' was released in 2007, Shout Out Louds had solidified their presence in the indie pop scene with their sophomore album, following up on their acclaimed debut 'Howl Howl Gaff Gaff'. This record marked a significant step forward in their sonic development, showcasing a more refined production and deeper lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
The Radio Dept.· Tame Impala· Phoenix

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Your Parents' Living Room

    A reflective moment where the narrative shifts from past memories to present uncertainties, illustrating a struggle between nostalgia and reality.

    This shift in perspective emphasizes the contrast between idealized memories and the complexities of adult life, highlighting the album's exploration of personal growth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tonight I Have to Leave It 3:34
  • 2 Your Parents' Living Room 3:53
  • 3 You Are Dreaming 3:29
  • 4 Suit Yourself 2:59
  • 5 Blue Headlights 4:09
  • 6 Impossible 6:48
  • 7 Normandie 3:23
  • 8 South America 5:02
  • 9 Ill Wills 1:50
  • 10 Time Left for Love 3:16
  • 11 Meat Is Murder 2:19
  • 12 Hard Rain 7:25
  • 13 Bicycle 2:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata