What makes Planet of Sound by Pixies notable?

The album's energetic sound contributed to the rise of alternative rock in the early '90s, influencing a generation of musicians. It received positive reviews from critics, helping solidify the Pixies' status as pioneers of the genre and contributing to their cult following. Released in January 1991, Planet of Sound marked a significant moment for the Pixies, following their influential album Doolittle from 1989. At this point in their career, the band was riding a wave of critical acclaim but faced increasing pressure to deliver commercially viable music.

How many songs are on Planet of Sound?

Planet of Sound has 4 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Planet of Sound

Pixies · 1991

8 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Raw energy and distorted guitars collide with surreal imagery, creating a frenetic soundscape that embodies the Pixies' unique charm.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Planet of Sound — This track opens the album with a burst of chaotic energy, encapsulating the band's signature blend of punk and melodic hooks. Its driving rhythm sets the tone for the entire record.
→
Theme From Narc — Short and punchy, this track showcases the band's ability to pack intensity into brief compositions while blending catchy melodies with dissonant undertones.
→
Evil Hearted You — With its haunting lyrics and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the Pixies' knack for balancing dark themes with infectious melodies, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases energetic songwriting and production, contributing to its distinct sound within alternative rock.

What we noticed

The title track opens with a driving rhythm and layered guitars, establishing a high-energy atmosphere that persists throughout.
The second track features a more subdued tempo but maintains the raw sound with prominent bass lines and distorted vocals.
Each song varies in structure, with abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo that keep the listener engaged.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Planet of Sound 2:09
2 Theme From Narc 1:47
3 Build High 1:42
4 Evil Hearted You 2:38

What to play next

Listen next

Trompe le Monde

1991

Go back to

Bossanova

1990

Full Pixies discography Where to start with Pixies Artists like Pixies

alternative rock indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata