Stiff
White Denim · 2013
35 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant fusion of rock, funk, and experimental sounds wrapped in infectious grooves and playful lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Had 2 Know (Personal) Start here — Opening with punchy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of personal themes amidst energetic instrumentation.
-
→
Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah) — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, encapsulating the album’s blend of humor and cleverness in a tight arrangement.
-
→
Take It Easy (Ever After Lasting Love) — With its laid-back groove and romantic undertones, this song showcases the band's ability to balance upbeat melodies with deeper emotional content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive songwriting and genre fusion but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a punchy, upbeat track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more experimental sounds.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and genre shifts, such as moving from funk grooves to rock riffs within the same song.
- The lyrics often employ playful and surreal imagery, which contrasts with the complex instrumental arrangements.
- 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
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- playful, engaging narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases the band's eclectic style and solidifies their reputation in indie rock.
- Themes
- playful lyricism· infectious grooves
- Career context
- Released as White Denim's fourth studio album, Stiff arrived after their 2011 record D, which marked a significant evolution in their sound. At this point, the band was transitioning into a more polished production style while continuing to push musical boundaries, showcasing their versatility and creativity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tame Impala· The Black Angels· MGMT
Tracklist
- 1 Had 2 Know (Personal) Start here 4:06
- 2 Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah) 3:53
- 3 Holda You (I’m Psycho) 3:59
- 4 There's a Brain in My Head 3:33
- 5 Take It Easy (Ever After Lasting Love) 3:27
- 6 (I'm the One) Big Big Fun 4:16
- 7 Real Deal Momma 3:48
- 8 Mirrored in Reverse 4:05
- 9 Thank You 4:38
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.