What makes Ruby Red by The Love Language notable?

Ruby Red received positive reviews from notable publications like Pitchfork and Stereogum, which praised its catchy hooks and emotional depth. The album marked a significant moment for the band as it showcased their growth and versatility, helping them to gain more traction within the indie rock scene. Released in early 2013, Ruby Red is The Love Language's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Libraries. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound while navigating lineup changes, with frontman Stuart McLamb emerging as the primary creative force behind the music.

Ruby Red works well if you're into short bursts of youthful energy, nostalgic melodies for sunny days and playful rhythms for gatherings.

How many songs are on Ruby Red?

Ruby Red has 10 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Ruby Red

The Love Language · 2013

33 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and warm melodies that evoke nostalgia and youthful exuberance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kids — This track stands out with its infectious energy and sing-along chorus, capturing the essence of youthful carefree moments and nostalgia.
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Golden Age — Blending introspective lyrics with a bright melody, this track highlights the band's ability to balance emotional weight with uplifting instrumentation.
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Pilot Light — With its layered harmonies and reflective themes, this closing track encapsulates the album's exploration of love and vulnerability.

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 showcases strong melodies and varied pacing but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitar riffs, establishing a lively opening.
The album includes several tracks with layered vocal harmonies that create a rich sound texture.
Midway through, the tempo slows down significantly with 'For Izzy', introducing a more reflective mood.
The last two tracks build back up to a more energetic pace, concluding the album on an uplifting note.

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

Influence 2/10

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

short bursts of youthful energy
nostalgic melodies for sunny days
playful rhythms for gatherings
lighthearted tracks for afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive albums
want darker, heavier themes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2013, Ruby Red is The Love Language's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Libraries. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound while navigating lineup changes, with frontman Stuart McLamb emerging as the primary creative force behind the music.
Stylistic neighbors: The Antlers· Grizzly Bear· Local Natives

Tracklist

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

1 Calm Down 4:34
2 Kids 2:14
3 Hi Life 3:51
4 First Shot 3:19
5 Golden Age 3:52
6 For Izzy 3:21
7 Faithbreaker 2:13
8 On Our Heels 3:04
9 Knots 2:57
10 Pilot Light 3:59

What to play next

Listen next

Black Mt. Demos

2013

Go back to

Libraries

2010

Full The Love Language discography Artists like The Love Language

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata