What Went Down
Foals · 2015
48 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A visceral blend of angular guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, driven by pulsating rhythms and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Went Down Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's raw energy, merging heavy instrumentation with confrontational lyrics that explore themes of betrayal and resignation.
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Mountain at My Gates — This track stands out for its infectious hooks and anthemic quality, addressing the struggle against personal obstacles while inviting listeners to join in its resonant chorus.
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Lonely Hunter — A haunting exploration of solitude, this song features atmospheric soundscapes paired with poignant lyrics that reflect deep existential questions, showcasing Foals' lyrical maturity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Foals' fourth album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a slow build with layered guitars that crescendo into a powerful chorus, setting an intense tone for the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing with climactic moments
- introspective lyrics for deep thought
- dynamic rhythms for active engagement
- for reflective evening walks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Acclaimed for its ambitious sound and lyrical depth, marking a high point in their discography.
- Themes
- betrayal and resignation· personal obstacles
- Career context
- What Went Down is Foals' fourth studio album, released after their critically acclaimed Holy Fire in 2013. The band was at a pivotal moment, having solidified their position in the alternative rock scene and seeking to push their sound further into darker territory with this release. This album showcases their evolution as they embraced more experimental elements while maintaining their energetic roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Everything Everything· Bloc Party· Local Natives
Tracklist
- 1 What Went Down Start here 5:00
- 2 Mountain at My Gates 4:04
- 3 Birch Tree 4:21
- 4 Give It All 4:47
- 5 Albatross 5:23
- 6 Snake Oil 4:21
- 7 Night Swimmers 4:44
- 8 London Thunder 4:14
- 9 Lonely Hunter 4:37
- 10 A Knife in the Ocean 6:52
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Trouble Will Find Me
The National
Shares introspective lyrics and a dark, atmospheric sound with layered instrumentation.
El Pintor
Interpol
Combines angular guitar lines and pulsating rhythms with themes of personal struggle and emotional depth.
An Awesome Wave
alt-J
Merges art rock experimentation with textured soundscapes and reflective lyrical themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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