What's the Time Mr Wolf? cover

What's the Time Mr Wolf?

Noisettes · 2007

38 min · 10 tracks · art rock

A vibrant mix of art rock and eclectic influences, blending energetic rhythms with poignant lyrical introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit) — This track combines soulful vocals with a driving beat, paying homage to Sister Rosetta Tharpe while showcasing the band's unique blend of history and modernity.
  • →
    IWE — With its infectious groove and reflective lyrics, IWE captures the emotional core of the album, illustrating themes of identity and belonging through a lively arrangement.
  • →
    Mind the Gap — This track features a compelling narrative that addresses societal issues through catchy hooks and an upbeat tempo, exemplifying the band's knack for clever commentary within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with varied tempos but lacks seamless cohesion throughout.

What we noticed

  • The album shifts to a more introspective sound with 'IWE', which introduces a slower tempo and sparse arrangement.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions between sections, such as 'Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit)', which moves from a quiet verse to an explosive chorus.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • vibrant bursts of youthful energy
  • poignant reflections on relationships
  • short tracks that invite replay
  • eclectic rhythms for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want consistent pacing throughout

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, What's the Time Mr Wolf? is the Noisettes' sophomore album, following their debut, White African E.P. This album came during a significant phase of artistic growth for the band as they transitioned from indie obscurity to gaining wider recognition. Their sound matured, showcasing a more polished production and diverse musical influences.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • IWE

    The song shifts from personal reflection to broader social commentary on cultural identity.

    The transition in perspective challenges listeners to consider their own experiences within a collective narrative, enhancing the song's thematic depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Don't Give Up 2:31
  • 2 Scratch Your Name 3:11
  • 3 The Count of Monte Christo 4:14
  • 4 Sister Rosetta (Capture the Spirit) 2:56
  • 5 Bridge to Canada 3:25
  • 6 IWE 3:30
  • 7 Nothing to Dread 2:49
  • 8 Mind the Gap 3:44
  • 9 Cannot Even (Break Free) 4:08
  • 10 Hierarchy / Never Fall in Love Again 7:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata