Re-Arrange Us
Mates of State · 2008
35 min · 10 tracks · indie pop
Joyful harmonies intertwine with playful instrumentation, creating an uplifting indie pop landscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
Top tracks — play these first
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Get Better — With its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, this track encapsulates the album's hopeful spirit and serves as a rallying cry for personal growth.
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The Re-Arranger — This song showcases the duo's signature vocal interplay and inventive arrangements, making it a standout example of their artistic evolution on this record.
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Help Help — The urgency in the lyrics combined with its driving rhythm highlights a shift towards more intricate songwriting, emphasizing both vulnerability and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances catchy melodies with varied song structures, creating an engaging indie pop experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with layered vocal harmonies, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt changes in dynamics and tempo that keep the listener engaged.
- The instrumentation often includes playful elements like handclaps and xylophones, contributing to a lighthearted yet intricate sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- uplifting sing-alongs with friends
- playful energy for road trips
- intimate moments of joyful reflection
- quick bursts of catchy melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- seek dark, brooding atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2008, Mates of State were transitioning from their established sound to a broader appeal with 'Re-Arrange Us', their fifth studio album. Following the success of their previous album, 'Bring It Back' (2006), this release marked a significant step in their evolution as they aimed to refine their indie pop aesthetic while exploring new themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tennis· The Weepies· Of Monsters and Men
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Help Help
The verses build tension through repeated pleas that escalate into a powerful chorus, revealing a deeper emotional struggle.
This structure amplifies the sense of urgency, contrasting the melodic backdrop with raw emotional honesty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get Better 3:26
- 2 Now 2:37
- 3 My Only Offer 2:59
- 4 The Re-Arranger 4:28
- 5 Jigsaw 3:14
- 6 Blue and Gold Print 4:22
- 7 Help Help 3:44
- 8 You Are Free 3:19
- 9 Great Dane 3:04
- 10 Lullaby Haze 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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