Released 30 years ago
What Would the Community Think
Cat Power · 1996
47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave through the complexities of human emotion and social connection.
Top tracks — play these first
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In This Hole Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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What Would the Community Think — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of societal expectations and personal identity, blending vulnerability with a catchy melody that lingers.
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Nude as the News — With its stark lyrics and minimalist arrangement, this track highlights Cat Power's ability to convey deep emotions through simplicity while addressing themes of exposure and honesty.
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Good Clean Fun — This upbeat yet ironic song contrasts playful instrumentation with deeper reflections on authenticity and societal norms, showcasing her range as both a songwriter and performer.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective lyrics with haunting melodies, creating a cohesive exploration of human emotion.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady, contemplative tempo, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and instrumentation.
- Several songs incorporate sparse arrangements, allowing the vocals to take center stage, particularly in tracks like 'Nude as the News' and 'Bathysphere'.
- The lyrics often explore themes of isolation and connection, with recurring motifs that tie together multiple tracks, creating a sense of narrative continuity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
- introspective late-night reflections
- layered, dense sonic textures
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Cat Power's presence in the indie music landscape.
- Career context
- In 1996, Cat Power released 'What Would the Community Think' as her second studio album, following her debut 'Dear Sir' in 1995. This album marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her evolving sound and lyrical depth as she began to establish her unique voice within the indie rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fiona Apple· Angel Olsen· Neko Case
Tracklist
- 1 In This Hole Start here 4:59
- 2 Good Clean Fun 4:46
- 3 What Would the Community Think 4:30
- 4 Nude as the News 4:23
- 5 They Tell Me 2:53
- 6 Taking People 3:25
- 7 The Fate of the Human Carbine 2:58
- 8 King Rides By 4:03
- 9 Bathysphere 3:01
- 10 Water & Air 4:43
- 11 Enough 4:25
- 12 The Coat Is Always On 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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