This Stupid World cover

This Stupid World

Yo La Tengo · 2023

48 min · 9 tracks · indie rock

A contemplative blend of dreamy melodies and textured soundscapes, reflecting on personal and societal themes in a subtly evolving landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sinatra Drive Breakdown Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its atmospheric instrumentation and reflective lyrics, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of introspection and uncertainty.
  • →
    Apology Letter — With its poignant narrative and emotional delivery, this song stands out as a heartfelt exploration of regret and reconciliation within relationships.
  • →
    This Stupid World — The title track weaves together complex melodies and thoughtful lyrics, serving as a centerpiece that encapsulates the album's exploration of life’s absurdities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends textured melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet exploratory listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered guitar textures that create a dreamy atmosphere across nearly all tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for gradual build-ups and explorations of sound.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal and societal themes, with a focus on introspection and subtle storytelling throughout the record.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 pacing for reflective moments
  • melancholic introspection during solitude
  • gentle melodies for quiet evenings
  • consistent progression throughout listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues to explore new sounds while maintaining the band's signature style.
Career context
This Stupid World is Yo La Tengo's sixteenth studio album, released after their 2018 album There's a Riot Going On. At this stage in their career, the band continues to explore new sonic territories while maintaining their signature indie rock sound, showcasing both growth and consistency as they celebrate over three decades in music.
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Tracklist

  • 1 Sinatra Drive Breakdown Start here 7:24
  • 2 Fallout 4:36
  • 3 Tonight’s Episode 4:50
  • 4 Aselestine 3:50
  • 5 Until It Happens 3:15
  • 6 Apology Letter 5:02
  • 7 Brain Capers 4:50
  • 8 This Stupid World 7:27
  • 9 Miles Away 7:30

What to play next

There's a Riot Going On
Listen next

There's a Riot Going On

2018

Continues the reflective mood and introspective themes with more experimental sounds.
Fade
Go back to

Fade

2013

Sets a similar tone with melodic elements that lead into the introspection of the current album.
Full Yo La Tengo discography Where to start with Yo La Tengo Artists like Yo La Tengo
indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata