Think you know Beach House’s discography inside out? In celebration of ‘Depression Cherry’s’ 10th anniversary, we’re diving deep into every single album. Prepare for some surprising insights and a fresh perspective on their iconic sound. Which Beach House album do you think reigns supreme?
In celebration of the tenth anniversary of their seminal album, ‘Depression Cherry,’ a detailed retrospective into Beach House’s profound catalog reveals a band whose musical evolution has subtly but significantly shaped the landscape of modern dream pop and indie rock. This comprehensive album ranking delves beyond popular perception, offering a critical analysis of each release to uncover the nuances that define their consistent yet ever-evolving sound.
Beach House, comprised of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, established a distinctive sonic identity early in their career, characterized by hazy vocals, ethereal synthesizers, and languid guitar melodies. Their unwavering artistic integrity was exemplified by their refusal to license their breakthrough track “Take Care” to Volkswagen, a testament to their commitment to authenticity in an era of increasing commercialization.
The band’s unique sound palette draws from diverse influences, evoking the gauzier side of Fleetwood Mac, the atmospheric depths of Cocteau Twins, and the enigmatic quality often described as “Lynchian.” Far from being merely a “vibes” band, Beach House cultivated a sophisticated blend that seamlessly fit into the “cloud rap” nebula, expanding their influence across various musical subgenres.
While many describe Beach House as remarkably consistent, this album ranking reveals the subtle yet impactful shifts that define their musical journey. Rather than dramatic stylistic departures, their trajectory is akin to a cruise ship, where minor adjustments in coordinates lead to profoundly different destinations over time, ultimately creating “Beach House Music” that spans all seasons of emotion and sound.
The duo’s self-titled debut album arrived fully formed, instantly bewitching critics and listeners alike with its effortless innovation. Tracks like “Master Of None” and the masterful “Apple Orchard” showcased a band with a singular vision, laying the groundwork for the unique aesthetic that would become synonymous with Beach House, a sound few bands, even Beach House themselves, have been able to replicate.
Their 2010 masterpiece, ‘Teen Dream,’ marked a pivotal moment, transforming Beach House from a “really good” band into a generational talent within the indie rock sphere. With anthemic tracks like “Zebra” and “Silver Soul,” ‘Teen Dream’ presented a crystalline clarity to shoegaze, setting a new standard for their genre and cementing their status as indie rock A-listers.
‘Bloom,’ released just two years later, solidified their peak. While ‘Teen Dream’ was definitive, ‘Bloom’ showcased a band in command of their craft, refining their sound and demonstrating an innate understanding of their artistic capabilities. Its darker, more troubled narratives, coupled with an antagonistic one-note guitar solo in “Irene,” illustrated their evolution and ability to stick the landing after a significant creative leap.
Subsequent Beach House albums, including ‘Depression Cherry’ and ‘7,’ continued to explore the boundaries of their signature sound. ‘Depression Cherry,’ alongside ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars,’ exemplified a period of introspection and subtle experimentation, while ‘7’ introduced jarring production shifts and a raw, distorted quality, a deliberate choice that infused new energy into their established sound, further demonstrating their sustained musical evolution.
From the early lo-fi charm to their arena-ready anthems, Beach House albums chart a compelling journey of artistic growth and steadfast vision. This comprehensive analysis highlights how Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have not only maintained their distinctive voice but have continuously pushed the boundaries of dream pop, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary music through their thoughtful exploration of sound and sentiment.
