Released 10 years ago
Side Pony
Lake Street Dive · 2016
40 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz-infused pop with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics that invite both reflection and dance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Godawful Things — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and candid exploration of personal regrets, making it an instant standout.
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Side Pony — The title track encapsulates the album's playful spirit and lyrical wit, illustrating how personal experiences can lead to self-acceptance.
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I Don't Care About You — This track showcases a bold attitude combined with jazzy instrumentation, reflecting a sense of empowerment that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances energetic tracks with introspective moments, showcasing solid writing and production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong brass arrangements, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between the lead singer and backing harmonies.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, culminating in a final track that emphasizes lyrical introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- danceable rhythms for celebration
- upbeat tracks for sunny days
- reflective moments with friends
- quick bursts of catchy energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, drawn-out compositions
- seek deep, introspective narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2016, Side Pony is Lake Street Dive's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Bad Self Portraits. At this point, the band had solidified their unique sound and gained a dedicated fanbase, showcasing their growth as musicians while retaining their playful charm. This album further established them as key players in the modern jazz-pop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Snarky Puppy· The New Mastersounds· Vulfpeck
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Godawful Things 3:48
- 2 Close to Me 4:18
- 3 Call Off Your Dogs 3:26
- 4 Spectacular Failure 2:32
- 5 I Don't Care About You 3:36
- 6 So Long 2:44
- 7 How Good It Feels 2:14
- 8 Side Pony 3:02
- 9 Hell Yeah 3:24
- 10 Mistakes 4:08
- 11 Can't Stop 3:24
- 12 Saving All My Sinning 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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