What If Nothing cover

What If Nothing

Walk the Moon · 2017

58 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

An upbeat fusion of synth-driven melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of modern indie pop-rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    One Foot — This track embodies the album's central theme of perseverance amidst uncertainty, combining infectious hooks with an uplifting message that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Surrender — Surrender features soaring choruses and reflective verses, illustrating the tension between vulnerability and strength that permeates much of the album.
  • →
    Feels Good to Be High — With its playful lyrics and catchy melody, this track stands out as a celebration of liberation and joy, contrasting with some of the more introspective moments on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics, creating an engaging but somewhat conventional indie pop-rock experience.

What we noticed

  • Several songs feature layered synths and rhythmic guitar lines that create a textured soundscape, particularly in 'Kamikaze' and 'Tiger Teeth'.
  • The album closes with 'Lost in the Wild', which features a gradual build-up to a climactic finish, contrasting with the more upbeat earlier tracks.
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
5/10

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

  • danceable rhythms for celebration
  • uplifting anthems for group sing-alongs
  • steady flow with vibrant peaks
  • introspective moments amidst upbeat tracks
  • for road trip playlists

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, more meditative music
  • seek instant gratification in songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on November 10, 2017, What If Nothing marks Walk the Moon's third studio album following their commercial breakthrough with Talking Is Hard in 2014. At this point in their career, the band sought to evolve their sound while maintaining the energetic spirit that characterized their earlier work, exploring deeper themes and more polished production techniques.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • One Foot

    The moment shifts from uncertainty to determination as the lyrics emphasize taking steps forward despite fears.

    This transition captures the essence of resilience, making it a pivotal moment that reinforces the album's overarching message.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Press Restart 4:20
  • 2 Headphones 3:07
  • 3 One Foot 4:21
  • 4 Surrender 5:04
  • 5 All I Want 4:16
  • 6 All Night 3:43
  • 7 Kamikaze 3:17
  • 8 Tiger Teeth 5:23
  • 9 Sound of Awakening 6:16
  • 10 Feels Good to Be High 4:21
  • 11 Can’t Sleep (Wolves) 3:46
  • 12 In My Mind 3:57
  • 13 Lost in the Wild 6:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata