Sidewalks
Matt & Kim · 2010
34 min · 10 tracks · indie pop
Bright synths collide with infectious rhythms and upbeat melodies, creating an exuberantly joyful indie pop landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Block After Block — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, showcasing the duo's signature blend of playful lyrics and dynamic instrumentation that sets the tone for the entire record.
-
→
Cameras — Cameras features a memorable chorus and reflects on themes of perception and identity, encapsulating the album's introspective and celebratory spirit.
-
→
Wires — With a more reflective tone, Wires stands out due to its evocative lyrics about connection and vulnerability, offering a contrast to the album's upbeat tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and energetic production, though it doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response structures, enhancing the upbeat feel.
- The last three tracks slow down slightly in tempo, providing a contrast to the earlier exuberance while still retaining melodic hooks.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- immediate hooks and energy
- short, punchy listening sessions
- joyful, uplifting vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2010, Sidewalks is Matt & Kim's third studio album, following the breakthrough success of their previous album, Grand. By this time, the duo had established themselves as a vibrant force within the indie pop scene, known for their energetic live performances and engaging sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tegan and Sara· Passion Pit· Chvrches
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Block After Block 2:53
- 2 AM/FM Sound 3:12
- 3 Cameras 3:30
- 4 Red Paint 3:04
- 5 Where You're Coming From 4:07
- 6 Good for Great 3:48
- 7 Northeast 2:49
- 8 Wires 3:56
- 9 Silver Tiles 3:34
- 10 Ice Melts 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.