Stay Together cover

Released 10 years ago this October

Stay Together

Kaiser Chiefs · 2016

51 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

An eclectic mix of punchy anthems and introspective ballads that explore the nuances of relationships and human connection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    We Stay Together — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, encapsulating themes of unity and resilience.
  • →
    Parachute — A standout track that combines driving rhythms with reflective lyrics about taking emotional risks, illustrating the album's exploration of personal vulnerability.
  • →
    Good Clean Fun — This song balances a playful melody with lyrics that critique superficiality and societal norms, demonstrating the band's knack for blending humor with substance.
  • →
    Still Waiting — Closing the album with a poignant reflection on longing and anticipation, this extended track showcases the band's emotional depth and musical maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features a blend of energetic and introspective tracks but lacks standout writing or production.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are high-energy anthems, while the subsequent tracks shift to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady pacing for thoughtful listening
  • an energetic sing-along atmosphere
  • introspective moments amidst anthems
  • for weekend road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, but not widely recognized as a standout or essential.
Themes
emotional risks· superficial societal norms· longing anticipation
Career context
Released on October 7, 2016, Stay Together is the Kaiser Chiefs' fifth studio album, following their 2014 release Education, Education, Education & War. At this stage in their career, the band sought to reinvent their sound while maintaining their Britpop roots, collaborating with producer Ben H. Allen III to achieve a fresh sonic palette.
Stylistic neighbors
Franz Ferdinand· The Futureheads· Bloc Party

Tracklist

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

  • 1 We Stay Together 4:32
  • 2 Hole in My Soul 4:27
  • 3 Parachute 3:52
  • 4 Good Clean Fun 5:08
  • 5 Why Do You Do It to Me? 4:26
  • 6 Indoor Firework 3:57
  • 7 Press Rewind 5:01
  • 8 Happen in a Heartbeat 3:20
  • 9 High Society 3:47
  • 10 Sunday Morning 4:30
  • 11 Still Waiting 8:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata