What makes Shoot the Runner by Kasabian notable?

'Shoot the Runner' received critical acclaim upon its release, solidifying Kasabian's place in the Britpop revival. The album peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart and showcased their ability to fuse genres, influencing a wave of subsequent British rock bands. Released in November 2006, 'Shoot the Runner' was Kasabian's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. The band had already begun to establish themselves as a significant force in the UK indie rock scene, riding on the success of their earlier hits and expanding their sound further.

How many songs are on Shoot the Runner?

Shoot the Runner has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Shoot the Runner

Kasabian · 2006

7 min · 2 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of driving rhythms and catchy hooks, layered with a distinctively British swagger.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shoot the Runner — The title track exemplifies the album's energetic blend of rock and electronic influences, featuring an infectious chorus that became a live favorite for fans.
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Pictures of Matchstick Men — This cover of Status Quo's classic showcases Kasabian's knack for reinterpreting vintage sounds with a modern twist, illustrating their eclectic musical influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong hooks and energetic rhythms but lacks depth and cohesion as a standalone release.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat with layered guitar riffs that create a sense of urgency throughout its duration.
The second track is a cover that contrasts the original's psychedelic sound with a more modern indie rock approach.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Kasabian's reputation in the Britpop revival, gaining wider recognition.
Career context: Released in November 2006, 'Shoot the Runner' was Kasabian's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. The band had already begun to establish themselves as a significant force in the UK indie rock scene, riding on the success of their earlier hits and expanding their sound further.
Stylistic neighbors: Royal Blood· Arctic Monkeys· The Dead Weather