Rather Ripped cover

Released 20 years ago this June

Rather Ripped

Sonic Youth · 2006

62 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock · indie rock · experimental rock

A vibrant blend of melodic hooks and experimental textures, radiating both warmth and dissonance.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, 'Rather Ripped' marked Sonic Youth's return after a brief hiatus following their 2004 album 'Sonic Nurse'. This album showcased the band’s evolution towards more accessible songwriting while retaining their signature experimental edge. It came at a time when alternative rock was evolving, reflecting both nostalgia and innovation in their sound.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Reena 3:47
  • 2 Incinerate 4:55
  • 3 Do You Believe in Rapture? 3:11
  • 4 Sleepinʼ Around 3:42
  • 5 What a Waste 3:33
  • 6 Jams Run Free 3:52
  • 7 Rats 4:24
  • 8 Turquoise Boy 6:14
  • 9 Lights Out 3:32
  • 10 The Neutral 4:09
  • 11 Pink Steam 6:57
  • 12 Or 3:29
  • 13 Helen Lundeberg 4:38
  • 14 Eyeliner 5:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata