What makes Ride by Twenty One Pilots notable?

Ride became one of the band's highest-charting singles, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple platinum certifications. The song's fusion of genres and thought-provoking lyrics resonated widely, contributing to Twenty One Pilots’ status as a prominent force in alternative music during the mid-2010s. By 2016, Twenty One Pilots had already achieved significant success with their previous album, Blurryface, which included breakout hits like 'Stressed Out'. With Ride as part of their follow-up project, they continued to build on their unique sound and fanbase, showcasing a more polished production style while maintaining their signature introspective lyrics.

How many songs are on Ride?

Ride has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Ride

Twenty One Pilots · 2016

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock and reggae-infused beats that explores themes of existential contemplation and the struggles of modern life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ride — The title track features a catchy chorus and explores themes of purpose and perseverance, encapsulating the band's ability to blend introspective lyrics with infectious melodies.
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Ride (Mstr Rogers remix) — This remix offers a fresh take on the original, enhancing its rhythmic elements while retaining the core message, showcasing the versatility of the song's composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The song blends genres effectively but is limited by its single format, impacting cohesion.

What we noticed

The song features a steady, mid-tempo beat that combines alternative rock instrumentation with reggae rhythms.
The verses and chorus are structured with a call-and-response dynamic between the lead vocals and backing harmonies.
The lyrics explore existential themes through repetitive phrasing, creating a meditative quality that invites listener reflection.

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: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Ride solidified the band's popularity following their success with Blurryface.
Career context: By 2016, Twenty One Pilots had already achieved significant success with their previous album, Blurryface, which included breakout hits like 'Stressed Out'. With Ride as part of their follow-up project, they continued to build on their unique sound and fanbase, showcasing a more polished production style while maintaining their signature introspective lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors: Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy· Imagine Dragons