Is Together a good place to start with The New Pornographers?

Yes, Together is recommended as a starting point for new The New Pornographers listeners. A vibrant tapestry of melodic hooks and intricate harmonies, infused with a sense of joy and reflective melancholy. Released in 2010, Together is The New Pornographers' fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Challengers from 2007. At this point, the band was solidifying their sound, building upon earlier successes while continuing to explore new musical landscapes.

Together works well if you're into bright melodies for uplifting moods, steady flow for focused listening and reflective lyrics with sing-along potential.

How many songs are on Together?

Together has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Together

The New Pornographers · 2010

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant tapestry of melodic hooks and intricate harmonies, infused with a sense of joy and reflective melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Moves Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Your Hands (Together) — This track encapsulates the album's uplifting spirit and features soaring melodies that highlight the band's knack for infectious choruses.
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Crash Years — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, this song captures the essence of navigating life's uncertainties while maintaining an upbeat feel.
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Valkyrie in the Roller Disco — This track stands out for its playful imagery and clever wordplay, showcasing the band's signature style of blending whimsy with poignant reflections.

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 features strong melodies and varied dynamics but lacks a fully cohesive narrative arc.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and layered vocal harmonies, establishing a lively opening.
Several songs incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'My Shepherd,' which transitions from a soft verse to a more powerful chorus.
The last track, 'We End Up Together,' concludes with an extended instrumental fade-out, creating a reflective ending.

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

bright melodies for uplifting moods
steady flow for focused listening
reflective lyrics with sing-along potential
mid-tempo energy for casual gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional extremes
prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog that may not stand out as a key album.
Themes: roller disco nostalgia· life's uncertainties· infectious joy
Career context: Released in 2010, Together is The New Pornographers' fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Challengers from 2007. At this point, the band was solidifying their sound, building upon earlier successes while continuing to explore new musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Belle and Sebastian· The Decemberists· Spoon