Put Your Back N 2 It
Perfume Genius · 2012
32 min · 12 tracks · indie pop
Tender melodies intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an intimate exploration of vulnerability and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
17 — This track serves as a poignant reflection on youthful love and longing, encapsulating the delicate balance of vulnerability and desire that permeates the album.
-
→
Normal Song — In this track, the juxtaposition of simple piano melodies with deeply personal lyrics emphasizes the tension between societal expectations and individual identity.
-
→
Dirge — With its haunting instrumentation and introspective lyrics, 'Dirge' captures a sense of loss and melancholy, resonating deeply within the album's emotional core.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intimate sound and unique structures create a compelling exploration of vulnerability.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued and introspective pieces.
- Many songs utilize sparse instrumentation, allowing the vocals to take center stage, often layered with harmonies.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid arrangements.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intimate exploration of vulnerability
- short bursts of emotional depth
- haunting vocals with tender melodies
- reflective moments of self-discovery
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, upbeat tracks
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2012, 'Put Your Back N 2 It' marked Perfume Genius's sophomore album after his critically acclaimed debut, 'Learning'. This album solidified his unique sound and themes of intimacy, further establishing him as a pivotal figure in the indie pop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· FKA twigs· James Blake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Take Me Home
A shift occurs in the bridge where the narrative voice directly implores an absent figure to return home, starkly contrasting earlier reflections.
This moment marks a pivotal transition from passive longing to an active request, heightening the emotional stakes of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 AWOL Marine 2:47
- 2 Normal Song 3:13
- 3 No Tear 1:49
- 4 17 2:30
- 5 Take Me Home 2:40
- 6 Dirge 3:16
- 7 Dark Parts 3:09
- 8 All Waters 2:10
- 9 Hood 2:00
- 10 Put Your Back N 2 It 3:09
- 11 Floating Spit 3:14
- 12 Sister Song 2:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.