What makes The Ride by Catfish and the Bottlemen notable?

The Ride debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and received generally positive reviews from critics, further solidifying the band's position in the alternative rock scene. The album's singles, particularly '7' and 'Twice,' contributed to its commercial success and radio play, reinforcing the band's appeal to a growing audience. Released in January 2016, The Ride is Catfish and the Bottlemen's sophomore album, following their successful debut, The Balcony. The band had gained significant traction after their debut, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, setting high expectations for this follow-up effort.

The Ride works well if you're into upbeat tracks for road trips, introspective moments amidst energy and sing-along choruses with friends.

How many songs are on The Ride?

The Ride has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

The Ride

Catfish and the Bottlemen · 2016

39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Energetic alternative rock blends anthemic choruses with introspective lyrics, framing a youthful exploration of love and life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Seven — Opening the album with a punchy guitar riff and vibrant energy, 'Seven' encapsulates the band's signature sound while setting the tone for youthful exuberance.
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Twice — 'Twice' stands out with its infectious chorus and relatable themes of regret and longing, showcasing the band's knack for crafting catchy yet poignant narratives.
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Glasgow — This brief track shifts to a more reflective tone, revealing vulnerability amidst a backdrop of urgent melodies, highlighting the emotional depth present in the album.
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Oxygen — 'Oxygen' delivers an engaging mix of melody and lyrical introspection, illustrating the band's ability to balance upbeat soundscapes with deeper emotional explorations.

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 energetic songwriting but lacks some cohesion in pacing and depth across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, setting a lively tone for the album.
Tracks like 'Glasgow' and 'Oxygen' introduce more introspective lyrics while still retaining a strong melodic structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

upbeat tracks for road trips
introspective moments amidst energy
sing-along choruses with friends
quick bursts of vibrant melodies

Maybe skip if you

slow-paced reflective listening
long, drawn-out compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 2016, The Ride is Catfish and the Bottlemen's sophomore album, following their successful debut, The Balcony. The band had gained significant traction after their debut, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, setting high expectations for this follow-up effort.
Stylistic neighbors: The Wombats· Circa Waves· VANT