Words and Music by Saint Etienne cover

Words and Music by Saint Etienne

Saint Etienne · 2012

48 min · 13 tracks · indie pop · synth-pop

A nostalgic blend of synth-pop and indie pop that captures the essence of forgotten eras through infectious melodies.

Why this album works

This album received considerable acclaim, being noted for its introspective lyrics and catchy hooks that resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners. It solidified Saint Etienne's place within the indie pop scene while also showcasing their ability to evolve musically, leading to praise in notable outlets like 'The Guardian' and 'Pitchfork'.
Career context
Released in 2012, 'Words and Music by Saint Etienne' is the band's sixth studio album, following their previous effort 'Tales from Turnpike House' in 2005. At this stage, Saint Etienne was exploring a more reflective sound, revisiting themes of music's impact on memory while maintaining their signature playful aesthetic. The album marked a resurgence for the group after a seven-year hiatus from original material.
Stylistic neighbors
Lykke Li· Ellie Goulding· Phoenix

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Over the Border 5:05
  • 2 I’ve Got Your Music Standout 3:46
  • 3 Heading for the Fair 3:45
  • 4 Last Days of Disco Standout 3:37
  • 5 Tonight 4:37
  • 6 Answer Song 3:25
  • 7 Record Doctor 0:53
  • 8 Popular 3:23
  • 9 25 Years Standout 3:40
  • 10 DJ 4:39
  • 11 When I Was Seventeen 3:37
  • 12 I Threw It All Away 3:27
  • 13 Haunted Jukebox 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata