Laugh Track

This album has been added to 4 public lists:

• 

  2023

  James

  Laugh Track feels more instinctive and alive than its companion album, often sounding like the band rediscovered momentum by loosening their grip slightly. The songs stretch out more comfortably, allowing the Dessner brothers’ guitars and rhythms to create slow-building atmosphere instead of constantly aiming for precision. “Smoke Detector” is the obvious standout — messy, nervous, and hypnotic in a way the band rarely allows themselves anymore. Even quieter tracks carry a sense of movement and spontaneity underneath the melancholy. Berninger’s vocals sound less carefully composed and therefore more emotionally convincing. The album’s imperfections become part of what makes it compelling.

• 

  Best, Favorite, & Most Interesting Albums Of 2023

  Mark Harrison

  • Important Note: This is also a listing for The National's other album of 2023, First Two Pages Of Frankenstein

  • Genre: Indie rock, indie alternative, post punk.

  • Influenced by: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Nirvana, The Smiths, The Strokes, Leonard Cohen, Joy Division.

  • Similar artists: The War On Drugs, Death Cab For Cutie, Radiohead.

  • About these albums: This one counts as a tie between The First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track.

  Frankenstein: The ninth studio album by the American indie rock band The National The album was produced at Long Pond studio in upstate New York, with additional recording sessions taking place at numerous studios and locations across the United States and Europe. The album features guest appearances from Sufjan Stevens, Taylor Swift, and (as is now stipulated by international law) Phoebe Bridgers. The album also features the London Contemporary Orchestra.

  Laugh Track: The tenth studio album from The National. The surprise album was released on September 18, 2023, having been announced only days prior. The album's material was mostly written and recorded alongside Frankenstein, and includes some material that was debuted and workshopped while touring in support of Frankenstein. It features guest appearances by Bon Iver, Rosanne Cash, and (yes, once again) Phoebe Bridgers (hey, it's international law!).

  • Metacritic score: Frankenstein 79 / Laugh Track 78 (Generally Favorable Reviews).

  • Grammy Nominations: None.

  • Song To Sample:

  Frankenstein: The Alcott. (feat. Taylor Swift

  Laugh Track: the title track, Laugh Track (feat. Phoebe Bridgers), and Weird Goodbyes (feat. Bon Iver).

• 

  Best of 2023

  Matthew Dorey
• 

  2023

  pjohnkeane