The Dandy Warhols Are Sound cover

The Dandy Warhols Are Sound

The Dandy Warhols · 2009

55 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of psychedelic rock and alternative pop, infused with dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke nostalgia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    We Used to Be Friends — This track encapsulates the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with a sense of melancholy, making it one of their most recognizable songs. Its infectious chorus and relatable themes of nostalgia resonate strongly with listeners.
  • →
    Scientist — With its lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics, this track highlights the band's ability to create an immersive soundscape that invites introspection. It balances upbeat rhythms with a contemplative mood.
  • →
    The Last High — This song combines a hypnotic groove with vivid storytelling about escapism and desire, showcasing the band's signature blend of irony and sincerity. Its dynamic arrangement stands out in the album's overall flow.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks broader impact.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a dreamy tone, and the following tracks maintain a consistent pace before the last three tracks slow down significantly.
  • Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a lush soundscape.
  • The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with recurring motifs of nostalgia and self-reflection throughout multiple tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • introspective reflective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases their unique style but lacks widespread recognition.
Career context
Released in 2009, The Dandy Warhols Are Sound marked the band's sixth studio album, following their notable breakthrough with Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia in 2000. At this point, the band was experimenting further with their sound while maintaining their signature mix of catchy hooks and alternative rock aesthetics.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Burned 7:01
  • 2 Scientist 3:12
  • 3 We Used to Be Friends 4:11
  • 4 The Last High 6:27
  • 5 Wonderful You 4:28
  • 6 Love Me Lovely 2:12
  • 7 I Am Over It 4:46
  • 8 Heavenly 3:20
  • 9 Plan A 4:59
  • 10 Hit Rock Bottom 3:02
  • 11 I Am Sound 4:05
  • 12 Insincere Because I 3:30
  • 13 Pete International Spaceport 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata