Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders cover

Released 20 years ago

Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders

Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders · 2006

42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Energetic alternative rock infused with playful melodies and Hawkins' charismatic vocals, showcasing a blend of personal storytelling and catchy hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Louise Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, instantly showcasing Hawkins' knack for memorable melodies.
  • →
    It's OK Now — This song features reflective lyrics paired with an engaging sound, illustrating Hawkins' ability to blend personal themes with accessible rock music.
  • →
    Pitiful — With its dynamic shifts and emotional depth, this track highlights Hawkins' range as a vocalist and songwriter, embodying the album's overall spirit.

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 catchy melodies and energetic performances but lacks depth and cohesion overall.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and upbeat melodies, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the early part of the album.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the pop sensibility of the alternative rock sound.
  • The album closes with two slower tracks that shift the mood significantly, creating a contrast with the earlier energetic songs.
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

  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • playful and upbeat vibes
  • steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This debut album established Hawkins' solo identity, gaining wider recognition beyond Foo Fighters.
Themes
playful melodies· personal reflections· vibrant energy
Career context
This self-titled debut album from Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders was released in 2006 while Hawkins was primarily known as the drummer for Foo Fighters, marking his first venture into fronting his own band. Following years of supporting one of rock's biggest acts, this album allowed him to explore his musical identity beyond the drums and share his songwriting talents more directly.
Stylistic neighbors
Splean· Bi-2· Blur

Tracklist

  • 1 Louise Start here 2:45
  • 2 Walking Away 3:14
  • 3 Running in Place 5:54
  • 4 NOA 0:38
  • 5 It's OK Now 4:47
  • 6 End of the Line 3:44
  • 7 Drive Me Insane 3:41
  • 8 Wasted Energy 3:02
  • 9 Get Up I Want to Get Down 3:02
  • 10 Pitiful 3:01
  • 11 Better You Than Me 3:51
  • 12 Don't Forget 4:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata