What makes Outside by Tapes 'n Tapes notable?

Outside received generally favorable reviews, showcasing a blend of catchy hooks and thoughtful lyricism that reinforced the band's place in the indie rock scene. The album's single 'Freak Out' garnered significant airplay on alternative radio stations and contributed to the band's continued relevance. Released in 2011, Outside is Tapes 'n Tapes' third studio album, following their 2008 effort, Walk It Off. At this point, the band was experimenting with a more polished sound while navigating shifts in their lineup and evolving musical style, seeking to redefine their identity after initial success.

How many songs are on Outside?

Outside has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Outside

Tapes 'n Tapes · 2011

44 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Bright, jangly guitars and layered melodies create an expansive indie rock landscape filled with introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Freak Out — This track exemplifies the album's infectious energy with its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, encapsulating Tapes 'n Tapes' knack for blending pop sensibilities with indie rock grit.
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Nightfall — With its moody atmosphere and reflective lyrics, 'Nightfall' illustrates the band's ability to create depth amid upbeat instrumentation, offering a contrasting emotional experience.
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Desert Plane — 'Desert Plane' stands out for its intricate arrangement and evocative imagery, revealing the band's lyrical prowess while maintaining an accessible melody.

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 solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the jangly guitar work.

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

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Badaboom 3:56
2 SWM 2:46
3 One in the World 2:49
4 Nightfall 4:51
5 Desert Plane 3:43
6 Outro 2:47
7 Freak Out 4:05
8 The Saddest of All Keys 3:50
9 Hidee Ho 4:45
10 People You Know 2:33
11 On and On 4:28
12 Mighty Long 3:50

What to play next

Go back to

Walk It Off

2008

Full Tapes 'n Tapes discography Artists like Tapes 'n Tapes

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata