V for Vaselines cover

V for Vaselines

The Vaselines · 2010

33 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A playful blend of jangly guitars and earnest lyrics that captures the spirit of lo-fi alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    High Tide Low Tide — The opening track introduces the album's catchy melodies and witty lyricism, establishing the playful tone that defines their sound.
  • →
    Earth Is Speeding — This track contrasts upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's signature ability to blend lightheartedness with deeper themes.
  • →
    Last Half Hour — Closing the album, this song encapsulates the essence of nostalgia and longing while showcasing their melodic prowess and lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures a nostalgic sound with playful instrumentation but lacks strong cohesion across its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a bright, jangly guitar riff that sets a playful tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • playful energy for casual listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • earworm melodies for repetition
  • lighthearted themes for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive experiences
  • seek serious, weighty narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
V for Vaselines is The Vaselines' first album in nearly two decades, following a long hiatus since their 1992 release, Dum-Dum. This comeback showcases their distinctive sound while appealing to both old fans and newcomers, marking a significant return after years of sporadic performances and renewed interest sparked by bands they influenced, such as Nirvana.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 High Tide Low Tide 3:35
  • 2 The Lonely LP 3:36
  • 3 Inky Lies 3:13
  • 4 Crazy Lady 2:49
  • 5 Single Spies 4:21
  • 6 One Lost Year 3:29
  • 7 Earth Is Speeding 2:37
  • 8 False Heaven 3:51
  • 9 Number One Crush 2:21
  • 10 Last Half Hour 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata