What makes Viola Beach by Viola Beach notable?

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart following the band's passing, highlighting its impact and the deep connection fans felt to their music. It received significant media attention and became a poignant symbol of lost potential within the music industry. Viola Beach released their self-titled debut album in July 2016, shortly before the tragic death of all four band members in a car accident. This album encapsulated the group's emerging sound and potential, capturing the essence of their live performances and establishing their place within the UK indie scene.

How many songs are on Viola Beach?

Viola Beach has 9 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Viola Beach

Viola Beach · 2016

33 min · 9 tracks · indie pop

Bright melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine in a vibrant blend of indie pop and rock that radiates youthful energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Swings and Waterslides — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, showcasing the band's knack for catchy hooks and relatable themes of longing.
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Boys That Sing — With its anthemic chorus and upbeat tempo, this song captures the spirit of youthful exuberance, making it a defining moment in their brief catalog.
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Cherry Vimto — The playful lyrics and upbeat instrumentation reflect the band's charm, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners seeking joy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases youthful energy through its melodies and harmonies but lacks depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in 'Boys That Sing'.
The album closes with a live session track that shifts the energy downwards, contrasting with the preceding studio recordings.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 Swings and Waterslides 3:39
2 Like a Fool 2:51
3 Go Outside 3:48
4 Cherry Vimto 3:38
5 Drunk 4:09
6 Really Wanna Call 3:43
7 Call You Up 4:58
8 Get to Dancing (Live BBC Session) 3:55
9 Boys That Sing 3:16

What to play next

Full Viola Beach discography Artists like Viola Beach

indie pop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata