The Answer Is Always Yes cover

The Answer Is Always Yes

Alex Lahey · 2023

34 min · 10 tracks

A vibrant blend of indie rock and pop-punk energy, layered with introspective lyrics and catchy hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Good Time — The opening track sets an upbeat tone with infectious energy, encapsulating the carefree spirit that permeates much of the album.
  • →
    You'll Never Get Your Money Back — This track stands out for its biting humor and catchy chorus, reflecting Lahey's knack for blending self-deprecation with empowerment.
  • →
    The Answer Is Always Yes — The title track delves into themes of uncertainty and resilience, showcasing Lahey's lyrical depth against a backdrop of melodic instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic indie rock with introspective lyrics, showcasing Lahey's growth and connection to her audience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with a title track that gradually builds in intensity before tapering off, creating a sense of resolution.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • upbeat tracks for road trips
  • catchy anthems for group sing-alongs
  • short bursts of energetic fun
  • introspective moments with playful edge

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of slow, meditative sounds
  • prefer long, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 19, 2023, The Answer Is Always Yes is Alex Lahey's third studio album, following her 2021 release, I Love You Like a Brother. At this point in her career, Lahey has solidified her presence in the indie music scene, building on the success of her previous albums and evolving her sound while maintaining her signature lyrical wit.
Stylistic neighbors
Julien Baker· Lucy Dacus· Soccer Mommy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Makes Me Sick

    The narrative shifts from playful sarcasm to a raw admission of vulnerability about personal struggles.

    This transition adds emotional weight to an otherwise upbeat song, creating a poignant contrast that highlights Lahey's lyrical complexity.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Good Time 3:11
  • 2 Congratulations 2:50
  • 3 You'll Never Get Your Money Back 3:07
  • 4 The Sky Is Melting 4:06
  • 5 On the Way Down 3:35
  • 6 Makes Me Sick 4:04
  • 7 Shit Talkin' 3:19
  • 8 Permanent 3:33
  • 9 They Wouldn't Let Me In 2:43
  • 10 The Answer Is Always Yes 4:25

What to play next

Garage Sale [Vol. 1]
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Full Alex Lahey discography Artists like Alex Lahey

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata