Traffic and Weather
Fountains of Wayne · 2007
47 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
Witty storytelling intertwines with melodic hooks, embodying a quintessential blend of alternative rock and power pop sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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'92 Subaru — '92 Subaru stands out with its nostalgic exploration of youth and longing, blending humor with heartfelt introspection in a catchy format.
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Someone to Love — This opening track captures the essence of romantic yearning through its infectious melody and relatable lyrics about searching for connection.
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Traffic and Weather — The title track cleverly juxtaposes mundane observations with deeper reflections on life’s unpredictability, showcasing the band's signature wit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling and melodic hooks but lacks standout production or innovation.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of narrative-driven lyrics that tell distinct stories across many tracks.
- The instrumentation varies from track to track, incorporating both electric and acoustic elements to enhance the storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- witty narrative-driven storytelling
- light-hearted everyday reflections
- varied tempos for engagement
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2007, Traffic and Weather is Fountains of Wayne's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Welcome Interstate Managers. At this point, the band was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, partly due to the enduring success of their hit 'Stacy's Mom'. This album reflects their continued evolution as songwriters, balancing humor and narrative depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Folds Five· They Might Be Giants· The New Pornographers
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Someone to Love 3:52
- 2 '92 Subaru 3:12
- 3 Yolanda Hayes 4:00
- 4 Traffic and Weather 3:36
- 5 Fire in the Canyon 2:47
- 6 This Better Be Good 3:03
- 7 Revolving Dora 2:41
- 8 Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim 3:41
- 9 Strapped for Cash 3:31
- 10 I-95 3:08
- 11 The Hotel Majestic 3:28
- 12 Planet of Weed 2:45
- 13 New Routine 4:13
- 14 Seatbacks and Traytables 3:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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