What makes Turn on Me by The Shins notable?

'Turn on Me' was well-received, showcasing The Shins' ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful storytelling. The track gained airplay on independent radio stations and contributed to the band's growing influence in the indie music scene during the late 2000s. Released in 2007, 'Turn on Me' came during The Shins' period of mainstream recognition following their critically acclaimed album 'Chutes Too Narrow' from 2003. This single marked a transition for the band as they continued to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Turn on Me?

Turn on Me has 3 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

Turn on Me

The Shins · 2007

9 min · 3 tracks · folk rock

A vibrant blend of indie pop and folk rock, infused with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Turn on Me — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its intricate melodies and reflective lyrics, highlighting themes of personal conflict and growth.
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Little Boxes — This cover adds a playful twist to the album's narrative, reinterpreting a classic tune while fitting seamlessly into The Shins' unique style.
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Australia (Peter Bjorn & John remix) — The remix introduces a fresh perspective on an earlier song, blending styles that exemplify The Shins’ ability to adapt and innovate within their genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid songwriting but lacks cohesion due to the remix's presence.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady mid-tempo rhythm with layered instrumentation that builds throughout the song.
The lyrics of 'Turn on Me' employ vivid imagery and personal reflection, creating a narrative arc that unfolds over its duration.
The remix of 'Australia' at the end introduces a different sonic texture, contrasting with the original tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Released during mainstream recognition, showcasing their established sound.
Themes: personal conflict· playful reinterpretation
Career context: Released in 2007, 'Turn on Me' came during The Shins' period of mainstream recognition following their critically acclaimed album 'Chutes Too Narrow' from 2003. This single marked a transition for the band as they continued to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Iron & Wine· Fleet Foxes· Sufjan Stevens