The Devil, You + Me cover

The Devil, You + Me

The Notwist · 2008

43 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

A delicate blend of electronic textures and introspective lyrics that evoke a haunting yet serene atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Devil, You + Me — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of duality and uncertainty through its layered instrumentation and reflective lyrics, serving as a focal point for the listener.
  • →
    Gravity — With its driving rhythm and contemplative lyrics, this track stands out for its exploration of personal struggles, illustrating the tension between hope and despair.
  • →
    Where in This World — This song showcases an ethereal quality with its lush soundscapes, highlighting the band's ability to blend melancholy with beauty, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends electronic and indie pop elements effectively, creating a unique sound that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a gradual build-up of electronic layers, creating a dense atmosphere before shifting to more stripped-down arrangements.
  • The album's pacing slows significantly in the second half, with tracks like 'Sleep' and 'On Planet Off' emphasizing minimalism and introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • immersive listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
The Devil, You + Me marked The Notwist's return after a six-year hiatus following their acclaimed album Neon Golden. At this point, the band was exploring a more refined sound that melded indie pop with electronic elements, solidifying their reputation as pioneers in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Lali Puna· M83· The Radio Dept.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Good Lies 5:23
  • 2 Where in This World 4:38
  • 3 Gloomy Planets 4:49
  • 4 Alphabet 3:02
  • 5 The Devil, You + Me 3:39
  • 6 Gravity 3:56
  • 7 Sleep 3:46
  • 8 On Planet Off 5:06
  • 9 Boneless 2:55
  • 10 Hands on Us 4:28
  • 11 Gone Gone Gone 2:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata