What makes The Blues Are Still Blue by Belle and Sebastian notable?

This album was well-received by critics, earning a spot on several year-end lists and showcasing the band's ability to innovate within the indie pop genre. Notably, the lead single, 'The Blues Are Still Blue,' helped the band reach new audiences and reinforced their status as influential figures in the UK indie scene. Released in 2006, The Blues Are Still Blue is part of Belle and Sebastian's sixth studio album, following their 2003 release, Dear Catastrophe Waitress. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation for blending indie pop sensibilities with introspective songwriting, continuing to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.

How many songs are on The Blues Are Still Blue?

The Blues Are Still Blue has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Blues Are Still Blue

Belle and Sebastian · 2006

11 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

Bright melodies intertwine with whimsical lyrics, creating a reflective yet upbeat soundscape that captures Belle and Sebastian's signature charm.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Blues Are Still Blue — As the titular track, it deftly combines catchy hooks with clever wordplay, exemplifying the album's overall blend of light-heartedness and depth.
→
The Life Pursuit — This track encapsulates themes of ambition and self-reflection through its upbeat tempo and thoughtful lyrics, making it a standout moment in the album.
→
Mr Richard — Short yet impactful, this song showcases the band's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery and playful instrumentation, highlighting their unique songwriting style.

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 record showcases strong melodies and whimsical lyrics, but its brief length affects its cohesion.

What we noticed

The title track features a bright, upbeat tempo with layered instrumentation that includes strings and horns, creating a rich sound.
Each song employs whimsical lyrics that complement the playful melodies, enhancing the overall charm of the record.

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: Deep Cut — Solid entry in the catalog but not a standout for new listeners or major recognition.
Themes: Scottish charm· everyday complexities
Career context: Released in 2006, The Blues Are Still Blue is part of Belle and Sebastian's sixth studio album, following their 2003 release, Dear Catastrophe Waitress. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation for blending indie pop sensibilities with introspective songwriting, continuing to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Decemberists· Camera Obscura· Sufjan Stevens