Volume 1 cover

Volume 1

Ylvis · 2014

34 min · 10 tracks

Quirky electro-pop melodies intertwine with absurdist humor, creating a playful and unpredictable soundscape throughout.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Intolerant — This opening track introduces the album's quirky tone through its catchy hooks and humorous lyrics about societal frustrations, setting the stage for Ylvis's distinctive style.
  • →
    I Will Never Be a Star — Exploring themes of aspiration and self-deprecation, this track stands out for its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics that juxtapose ambition with comedic realism.
  • →
    Mr. Toot — With its playful concept revolving around a whimsical character, this song exemplifies Ylvis's ability to fuse absurdity with memorable melodies, making it a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends humor with catchy pop melodies, showcasing unique compositions but may not have lasting depth.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a playful tone, followed by a series of quirky songs that maintain a mid-tempo pace.
  • Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt shifts in melody and rhythm, which contribute to the unpredictable soundscape.
  • Humorous spoken interludes are interspersed throughout the tracks, enhancing the comedic aspect of the music and creating a distinct narrative flow.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • quirky melodies for lighthearted moments
  • playful tunes for group enjoyment
  • steady pacing for casual listening
  • short tracks for breaks

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep emotional narratives
  • prefer long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in late 2014, Volume 1 marked Ylvis's debut album following their viral hit 'The Fox' which gained international attention. At this point, the Norwegian duo was transitioning from comedic television personalities to established musical artists, seeking to expand their creative horizons beyond novelty songs.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Intolerant 3:02
  • 2 Yoghurt 2:54
  • 3 Shabby Chic 3:53
  • 4 The Cabin 4:05
  • 5 Mr. Toot 2:51
  • 6 I Will Never Be a Star 3:32
  • 7 Ytterst på tissen 2:34
  • 8 Massachusetts 4:35
  • 9 Trucker's Hitch 3:25
  • 10 Da vet du at det er jul 3:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata