Is Pom Pom a good place to start with Ariel Pink?

Yes, Pom Pom is recommended as a starting point for new Ariel Pink listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi pop and experimental rock, infused with surreal lyrics and eclectic instrumentation. Released in early 2014, Pom Pom was Ariel Pink's sixth studio album and his first for the prestigious 4AD label. Following the critical acclaim of his previous work, Mature Themes, this album marked a significant moment in his career as he embraced a more ambitious and playful production style, showcasing his unique sound to a broader audience.

Pom Pom works well if you're into kaleidoscopic sound exploration, dynamic journey with peaks and nostalgic melodies for daydreaming.

How many songs are on Pom Pom?

Pom Pom has 17 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Pom Pom

Ariel Pink · 2014

67 min · 17 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi pop and experimental rock, infused with surreal lyrics and eclectic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Plastic Raincoats in the Pig Parade Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Not Enough Violence — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of chaos and absurdity through a catchy hook layered over jangly guitars and disjointed rhythms.
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Put Your Number in My Phone — With its infectious melody and playful lyrics, this song highlights Pink's knack for merging pop sensibilities with offbeat storytelling.
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Goth Bomb — A standout track that combines haunting vocals with an irresistible groove, it showcases Pink's ability to blend contrasting elements into a cohesive sound.

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 album's eclectic sound and surreal lyrics create a distinctive experience, though its cohesion is challenged by varied track lengths.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including synthesizers, guitars, and unconventional sounds that create a layered texture.
Many tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, often transitioning from upbeat sections to more introspective moments.
Several songs include surreal and abstract lyrics that contribute to the overall eclectic feel of the album.
The sequencing of tracks varies significantly in length, with some songs being under two minutes while others exceed five.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

kaleidoscopic sound exploration
dynamic journey with peaks
nostalgic melodies for daydreaming
playful irreverence throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

dislike abstract lyrical content
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Pom Pom solidified Pink's reputation and received widespread critical acclaim.
Themes: chaotic absurdity· surreal pop landscapes· playful disconnection
Career context: Released in early 2014, Pom Pom was Ariel Pink's sixth studio album and his first for the prestigious 4AD label. Following the critical acclaim of his previous work, Mature Themes, this album marked a significant moment in his career as he embraced a more ambitious and playful production style, showcasing his unique sound to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Panda Bear· Tame Impala· MGMT