What you gonna do? cover

What you gonna do?

Bastille · 2020

2 min · 1 track · synth-pop

Bright synth melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of uncertainty and hope in a modern world.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    WHAT YOU GONNA DO??? — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of existential questions while blending catchy hooks with thought-provoking lyrics, making it a standout anthem for uncertain times.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The track combines bright melodies with introspective lyrics, effectively capturing its themes.

What we noticed

  • The track features a bright synth melody that maintains a steady tempo throughout, creating an uplifting atmosphere.
  • The lyrics are introspective and address themes of uncertainty, with the vocal delivery emphasizing emotional resonance.
  • The song structure follows a conventional verse-chorus format, allowing for clear thematic development.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that reflects Bastille's evolution but isn't a major highlight.
Themes
pandemic uncertainty· modern hopefulness
Career context
By the time of its release in July 2020, Bastille had established themselves as a prominent force in synth-pop following their breakthrough debut album 'Bad Blood' in 2013. 'What You Gonna Do???' serves as an exploration of themes relevant to the pandemic era, showcasing a shift towards more personal and reflective songwriting after their previous album 'Doom Days' released in 2019.
Stylistic neighbors
Chvrches· M83· Ellie Goulding

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • WHAT YOU GONNA DO???

    The chorus emphasizes a repeated questioning of future choices, creating a sense of urgency and reflection.

    This structural choice of repetition not only underscores the theme of uncertainty but also mirrors the cyclical nature of anxiety during challenging times.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 WHAT YOU GONNA DO??? 2:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata