What makes The House That Dirt Built by The Heavy notable?

This album features the hit single 'How You Like Me Now?', which became a significant commercial success and was later used in various media, including commercials and TV shows. The Heavy received critical acclaim for their genre-blending style, further solidifying their reputation within the indie rock movement and influencing subsequent artists seeking to merge similar styles. Released in 2009, The House That Dirt Built was The Heavy's sophomore album, following their debut Great Vengeance and Furious Fire. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as a unique voice in the indie rock scene, blending various genres to create a distinctive sound that would help them gain traction internationally.

Who is The House That Dirt Built for?

The House That Dirt Built works well if you're into high-energy tracks for dancing, raw grooves that energize crowds and short bursts of catchy hooks.

How many songs are on The House That Dirt Built?

The House That Dirt Built has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

The House That Dirt Built

The Heavy · 2009

38 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A gritty fusion of rock, funk, and soul that channels raw energy through catchy hooks and powerful vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How You Like Me Now? — This track embodies the album's signature sound with its infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics, becoming an anthem of confidence and resilience.
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Short Change Hero — The song's haunting melody and soulful delivery highlight the band's ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining their energetic style.
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Oh No! Not You Again! — With its catchy chorus and lively instrumentation, this track showcases the band's knack for merging rock with funk elements seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock, funk, and soul with energetic vocals, creating a distinct sound that stands out in indie rock.

What we noticed

The first track introduces a heavy, rhythmic groove that sets a high-energy tone for the album.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the dynamic interaction between the lead singer and backing vocals.
The album includes interludes like 'Short Change Hero (Intro)' that create pauses in the flow, allowing for shifts in mood and intensity.

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: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

high-energy tracks for dancing
raw grooves that energize crowds
short bursts of catchy hooks
playful irreverence in every track
party-friendly anthems with swagger

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective music
seek long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, The House That Dirt Built was The Heavy's sophomore album, following their debut Great Vengeance and Furious Fire. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as a unique voice in the indie rock scene, blending various genres to create a distinctive sound that would help them gain traction internationally.
Stylistic neighbors: Royal Blood· Wolfmother· The Black Keys