The La's cover

The La's

The La's · 1990

35 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

Melodic jangle-pop harmonies intermingle with poignant lyrics, capturing the spirit of early '90s British indie music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    There She Goes — This track is perhaps the band's most recognizable song, featuring an infectious melody and lyrics that encapsulate youthful longing. Its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various films and TV shows, cementing its place in pop culture.
  • →
    Timeless Melody — With its captivating chorus and reflective lyrics, this song showcases the band's knack for crafting catchy yet profound pop music. Its blend of upbeat instrumentation and melancholic themes represents the heart of The La's sound.
  • →
    Son of a Gun — This opening track sets a lively tone for the album with its energetic rhythm and sharp lyrical wit. It's a prime example of how The La's combine brevity with impactful songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The La's combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, marking it as a notable entry in early '90s indie pop.

What we noticed

  • The album features jangly guitar riffs that are prominent in the mix, creating a bright and melodic sound throughout.
  • The lyrics often reflect themes of longing and introspection, delivered with a laid-back vocal style that complements the instrumentation.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Son of a Gun 1:56
  • 2 I Can’t Sleep 2:37
  • 3 Timeless Melody 3:01
  • 4 Liberty Ship 2:30
  • 5 There She Goes 2:42
  • 6 Doledrum 2:49
  • 7 Feelin’ 1:44
  • 8 Way Out 2:32
  • 9 I.O.U. 2:08
  • 10 Freedom Song 2:23
  • 11 Failure 2:54
  • 12 Looking Glass 7:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata