What makes Race Car Blues by Slowly Slowly notable?

The album received positive reviews for its candid exploration of mental health and identity, resonating with listeners and critics alike. It peaked at number 9 on the Australian Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band and showcasing their impact within the indie rock landscape. Race Car Blues is Slowly Slowly's third studio album, released in 2020 following their critically acclaimed album, St. Leonards. At this point in their career, they had established a growing fanbase and were solidifying their place in the Australian punk and alternative scenes. The album showcases their evolution, both musically and lyrically, as they grappled with personal challenges and societal issues.

How many songs are on Race Car Blues?

Race Car Blues has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Race Car Blues

Slowly Slowly · 2020

43 min · 12 tracks

A blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation that captures the struggles of youth with a raw, energetic edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Creature of Habit — This opening track sets the tone for the album by blending catchy melodies with reflective lyrics about routine and self-awareness, drawing listeners into the band's world.
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Suicidal Evangelist — A standout moment that tackles heavy themes through sharp lyricism, this track exemplifies the band's ability to address mental health while maintaining an engaging sound.
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You Are Bigger Than This Town — This song encapsulates the feeling of restlessness and yearning for escape; its anthemic chorus invites listeners to reflect on their own aspirations beyond small-town life.

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 balances energetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a compelling but uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level, while the second half introduces slower tempos and more introspective themes.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts in instrumentation, with verses often featuring sparse arrangements that build into fuller choruses.
Lyrically, the album frequently employs vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the tracks.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Suicidal Evangelist

A poignant shift occurs where the lyrics directly confront feelings of despair with stark imagery contrasting hope and hopelessness.

This moment challenges conventional narratives around mental health by juxtaposing dark thoughts against moments of clarity, creating a compelling tension.

Tracklist

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

1 Creature of Habit 3:10
2 19 3:24
3 Safety Switch 2:50
4 You Are Bigger Than This Town 3:21
5 Michael Angelo 3:38
6 Soil 3:18
7 Suicidal Evangelist 5:19
8 Jellyfish 3:16
9 How It Feels 4:16
10 Superpowers 3:57
11 Creature of Habit Pt.2 3:25
12 Race Car Blues 3:56

What to play next

Full Slowly Slowly discography Artists like Slowly Slowly

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata