What makes Skeletons by Yeah Yeah Yeahs notable?

The release of 'Skeletons' was met with critical acclaim, landing on several year-end lists and solidifying the band's status in the indie rock scene. The song's emotional depth and sonic experimentation also influenced a new wave of alternative rock artists seeking to blend intensity with introspection. Released as a follow-up to their acclaimed 2009 album 'It's Blitz!', 'Skeletons' showcases the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at a reflective stage in their career. The band experimented with more subdued, introspective sounds, diverging from their earlier explosive energy and marking a significant artistic evolution.

How many songs are on Skeletons?

Skeletons has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Skeletons

Yeah Yeah Yeahs · 2010

8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting exploration of vulnerability, merging atmospheric soundscapes with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' signature raw energy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Skeletons — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and ghostly reminiscence, delivered through a powerful vocal performance layered over sparse instrumentation.
→
Skeletons (acoustic) — This stripped-back version highlights the raw emotion embedded in the lyrics, allowing listeners to connect more intimately with the song's poignant message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing atmospheric elements with emotional depth.

What we noticed

The main track features a slow build with layered instrumentation, creating an atmospheric soundscape that contrasts with the raw energy of the vocals.
The acoustic version strips down the arrangement to focus on vocal delivery and lyrical content, highlighting emotional vulnerability.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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: Experimental — Showcases a more subdued and introspective sound, differing from their earlier work.
Career context: Released as a follow-up to their acclaimed 2009 album 'It's Blitz!', 'Skeletons' showcases the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at a reflective stage in their career. The band experimented with more subdued, introspective sounds, diverging from their earlier explosive energy and marking a significant artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Sonic Youth· The Kills· Interpol