Is There's a Riot Going On a good place to start with Yo La Tengo?

Yes, There's a Riot Going On is recommended as a starting point for new Yo La Tengo listeners. A hazy blend of dream pop and lo-fi indie rock envelops listeners in a meditative, introspective soundscape. Released as Yo La Tengo's thirteenth studio album, There's a Riot Going On arrived after the band's 2015 offering, Stuff Like That There. By this point in their career, they had firmly established themselves as a significant force in the indie rock scene, known for their experimental approach and diverse sonic palette. The album showcases their continued evolution while paying homage to the influences of past generations.

Who is There's a Riot Going On for?

There's a Riot Going On works well if you're into meditative moments for quiet reflection, dynamic flow with emotional peaks and dreamy textures for introspective afternoons.

How many songs are on There's a Riot Going On?

There's a Riot Going On has 15 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

There's a Riot Going On

Yo La Tengo · 2018

63 min · 15 tracks · indie rock

A hazy blend of dream pop and lo-fi indie rock envelops listeners in a meditative, introspective soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Are Here Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Shades of Blue — This track stands out with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics that encapsulate the album's overarching themes of longing and uncertainty.
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Dream Dream Away — With its dreamy instrumentation and serene vocals, this song represents the album's ethereal qualities while inviting listeners into a contemplative space.
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Here You Are — The closing track combines layered sounds with poignant lyrics that linger in the mind, effectively summarizing the emotional depth present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's layered soundscapes and reflective songwriting create a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that gradually build in texture, while the second half introduces more ambient and minimalist arrangements.
Several songs employ a repetitive structure, with layered instrumentation that creates a hypnotic effect.
The album includes moments of silence between tracks, enhancing the meditative quality and allowing for reflection.

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: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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

meditative moments for quiet reflection
dynamic flow with emotional peaks
dreamy textures for introspective afternoons
gentle waves of soothing sound

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in their established sound.
Career context: Released as Yo La Tengo's thirteenth studio album, There's a Riot Going On arrived after the band's 2015 offering, Stuff Like That There. By this point in their career, they had firmly established themselves as a significant force in the indie rock scene, known for their experimental approach and diverse sonic palette. The album showcases their continued evolution while paying homage to the influences of past generations.
Stylistic neighbors: Built to Spill· The Mountain Goats· Sonic Youth