Vitals cover

Vitals

Mutemath · 2015

47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Euphoric melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a vibrant soundscape that reflects both joy and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Light Up — This track exemplifies the album's uplifting spirit with its infectious chorus and dynamic instrumentation, making it a standout for its catchy appeal.
  • →
    Monument — With its contemplative lyrics and expansive sound, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of personal themes and emotional depth.
  • →
    Vitals — The title track serves as the heartbeat of the album, blending rhythmic complexity with an anthemic quality that showcases the band's evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic and introspective moments well but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Joy Rides', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing more introspective pieces.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Light Up' and 'Monument'.
  • The use of electronic elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation is prominent, especially in tracks like 'Stratosphere' and 'Vitals'.
  • The final track, 'Remain', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the earlier energetic songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with uplifting moments
  • for hopeful afternoon drives
  • an anthemic soundtrack for motivation
  • gradual peaks that inspire reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • skip if seeking slow ballads

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2015, Vitals is Mutemath's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed Odd Soul from 2011. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new sonic territories while maintaining their signature alternative rock roots, marking a phase of artistic evolution after lineup changes and a shift in production approach.
Stylistic neighbors
Anberlin· The Postal Service· Mew

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Used To

    The moment shifts from nostalgic reflection to a realization about growth and change, marking a pivotal point in the narrative.

    This structural transition emphasizes the theme of moving forward while acknowledging past experiences, adding depth to the overall message.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Joy Rides 4:01
  • 2 Light Up 3:42
  • 3 Monument 3:34
  • 4 Stratosphere 3:55
  • 5 All I See 3:47
  • 6 Vitals 3:58
  • 7 Composed 2:54
  • 8 Used To 4:15
  • 9 Best of Intentions 3:34
  • 10 Bulletproof 3:39
  • 11 Safe If We Don't Look Down 4:39
  • 12 Remain 5:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata