What makes What Do You Think About the Car? by Declan McKenna notable?

The album received critical acclaim, notably earning a spot on the BBC Sound of 2017 longlist and charting at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart. Its exploration of contemporary issues such as politics and mental health resonated with listeners, making it a defining release for McKenna's emerging career. What Do You Think About the Car? is Declan McKenna's debut album, released in January 2017 after he gained attention with his single Brazil. The album showcases his unique blend of catchy pop-rock and socially conscious themes, establishing him as a fresh voice in the UK music scene.

Who is What Do You Think About the Car? for?

What Do You Think About the Car? works well if you're into steady mid-tempo flow, thought-provoking lyrical themes and reflective listening moments.

How many songs are on What Do You Think About the Car??

What Do You Think About the Car? has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

What Do You Think About the Car?

Declan McKenna · 2017

47 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant mix of indie rock and sharp lyrical commentary, woven through infectious melodies and youthful exuberance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brazil — This track captures McKenna's knack for blending upbeat melodies with biting social commentary, addressing themes of political disillusionment and consumerism.
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The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home — With its anthemic chorus and poignant lyrics, this song articulates the struggles of youth feeling trapped in societal expectations, making it an emblematic track for the album.
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Paracetamol — This track delves into themes of mental health with both sensitivity and wit, showcasing McKenna's ability to tackle serious subjects while maintaining an engaging sound.

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 combines catchy melodies with sharp lyrical commentary, making it engaging yet uneven in flow.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies and prominent guitar riffs, contributing to a vibrant sound that maintains listener engagement.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo flow
thought-provoking lyrical themes
reflective listening moments
dynamic emotional shifts
engaging narrative journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: What Do You Think About the Car? is Declan McKenna's debut album, released in January 2017 after he gained attention with his single Brazil. The album showcases his unique blend of catchy pop-rock and socially conscious themes, establishing him as a fresh voice in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Wolf Alice· Blaenavon· The Japanese House