Teens of Denial
by Car Seat Headrest
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: May 20, 2016
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 183 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 165 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 183
  3. Negative: 12 out of 183
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  1. Bigbry
    May 22, 2016
    10
    Checked this out because of the high score on here. Wow what a great album musically and lyrically!! First time I heard it I thought this is a future classic. Very different than what is out now and reminds me of so many bands and obviously Pavement and 90's rock. Highly recommended and I will be following this band from now on.
  2. garlic
    May 20, 2016
    9
    A really incredible album from an incredible musician. I've been following CSH since How to Leave Town, but this album feels like it's the first "something special" album in his discography since Twin Fantasy. Expertly crafted lyrics, cutting rock riffs, it's really an enjoyable listen in all aspects.
  3. podzorama
    May 25, 2016
    9
    Looking for radio friendly 3 minute tracks? Not here matey. From his home recorded back catalogue through to his two studio produced latest releases, Will Toledo has maintained artistic integrity. Teens of Denial is a triumph precisely because Toledo is honest and open about his experience and World Vision. Do NOT dismiss this as your usual early twenties disaffected stoner/slacker/indieLooking for radio friendly 3 minute tracks? Not here matey. From his home recorded back catalogue through to his two studio produced latest releases, Will Toledo has maintained artistic integrity. Teens of Denial is a triumph precisely because Toledo is honest and open about his experience and World Vision. Do NOT dismiss this as your usual early twenties disaffected stoner/slacker/indie run of the mill album.
    Musically and lyrically this is a special album indeed.
    I don't believe Toledo will ever be able to give up making music, you can tell it is an essential part of him, and for this reason he probably won't care too much if you like this or not, but make no mistake, this is a unique and distinctive talent that you would be best advised to check out.    … Expand
  4. Minsen
    May 21, 2016
    9
    The best lyrics I have heard in a while. I caught myself laughing out loud several times at the witty storytelling and juvenile humor. Nevertheless it was also very touching at times. Time flies while listening to this great collection of songs.
  5. jesseurbancsik
    May 30, 2016
    10
    This album is sure to be a classic in its retrospective views in the new decade. Great lyrics and great riffs, this band is a hidden gem every music listener should endure.
  6. mrichardsg
    May 24, 2016
    10
    This is easily one of my favorite albums of the year. I had never heard of this band before this album came out. Once I started listening to their new stuff I was compelled to listen to everything else. This is exactly what I've been seeking out for my summer. Can't wait to blast this in my car during road trips and weekend outings. It's got absolutely every sound I appreciate and admire.
  7. acidzoo
    May 25, 2016
    7
    13ος δίσκος για την μπάντα του Will Toledo και μόλις δεύτερος κάτω από την σφραγίδα της Matador.
    Σε σχέση με το περσινό "Teens Of Style" η διαφορά είναι ότι δεν έχουμε καμία παρουσία του ψυχεδελικού ήχου. No filters, No echos, No reverbs.
    Αυστηρά, δογματικά πατά πάνω στο Alternative Rock των 90'ς και η επιρροές από συγκροτήματα σχολές όπως οι Nada Surf, οι Weezer, οι Pavement είναι    13ος δίσκος για την μπάντα του Will Toledo και μόλις δεύτερος κάτω από την σφραγίδα της Matador.
    Σε σχέση με το περσινό "Teens Of Style" η διαφορά είναι ότι δεν έχουμε καμία παρουσία του ψυχεδελικού ήχου. No filters, No echos, No reverbs.
    Αυστηρά, δογματικά πατά πάνω στο Alternative Rock των 90'ς και η επιρροές από συγκροτήματα σχολές όπως οι Nada Surf, οι Weezer, οι Pavement είναι ξεκάθαρες.
    Συνολικά είναι ένας καλός δίσκος αλλά πάσχει από ιδέες και από μικρές λεπτομέρειες που θα έκαναν τον δίσκο να μπει στο ειδικό πάνθεον με τα πολύ αγαπημένα άλμπουμ.    … Expand
  8. saqeyeb
    May 22, 2016
    9
    This is something really appealing and I should admire it that such things remain close to heart. Being moderate music lover, whenever I am in in blue I just try to relax my mind mind by adding some Asian touch in my music. Sometimes I turn to be the fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Qawwalis and sometimes my inclinations are totally toward the everlasting mystical strings of Sufiana Kalam.This is something really appealing and I should admire it that such things remain close to heart. Being moderate music lover, whenever I am in in blue I just try to relax my mind mind by adding some Asian touch in my music. Sometimes I turn to be the fan of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Qawwalis and sometimes my inclinations are totally toward the everlasting mystical strings of Sufiana Kalam. I believe that Sufi Songs-- Relaxing Music is something really inspirational and such contributions really add lot more in our music taste.… Expand
  9. Ricko
    Dec 20, 2016
    7
    Hard to judge this album as the manner in which Will Toledo has arrived at this record is quite complex.. Predecessor, "Teens of Style" was the outfits major label debut but essentially was a "best of" that covered 9 lo fi independent releases put over a 5 year period. An excellent, focused collection but for me, can't be considered a debut. So is "Teens of Denial" Car Seat Headrest'sHard to judge this album as the manner in which Will Toledo has arrived at this record is quite complex.. Predecessor, "Teens of Style" was the outfits major label debut but essentially was a "best of" that covered 9 lo fi independent releases put over a 5 year period. An excellent, focused collection but for me, can't be considered a debut. So is "Teens of Denial" Car Seat Headrest's proper debut as a full time band? If so than its hard to talk of progression in a proper sense. For me its album 1 of phase 2. It's a lot more bulkier than previous output in terms of sound density but achieving this wouldn't be hard. In terms of songwriting, its a strong record, with hooks galore borrowed from the history of rock. Lyrically, its quite memorable, something you don't get too often these days. Its an enjoyable listen and is a great garage rock record. It doesn't quite live up to the incredible hype though. There is one recurring problem I have with the record.It drags in places and overstays its welcome (70 minutes long!!!), which for something that is supposed to be indie rock, is a sin. Still, you could do worse than give this a spin.
        … Expand
  10. brockcheese
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    This album improves upon its predecessor in every way imaginable. Impressive music and vocals and lyricism about many of the follies of youth in the modern age.
  11. canoeingrox
    Sep 20, 2016
    10
    This album deserves every praise and accolades it gets. It brings together all the best elements of the rock genre: angst, spontaneity, and fun. A masterpiece for the ages.
  12. exodus9237
    May 26, 2016
    9
    There is an obvious thing going on here, but at the same time it is not. Will Toledo's indie rock is sure in its influences but also its new and exciting. Every turn and twist grabs you immediately but the thing is, Car Seat Headrest does not work in unknown territory here. Every other song has a well known structure or a familiar approach, but suddenly it does not, and there are manyThere is an obvious thing going on here, but at the same time it is not. Will Toledo's indie rock is sure in its influences but also its new and exciting. Every turn and twist grabs you immediately but the thing is, Car Seat Headrest does not work in unknown territory here. Every other song has a well known structure or a familiar approach, but suddenly it does not, and there are many hooks and choruses here that arrive at what seems the wrong moment, but after a few listens you realize that that is the precise moment for them to be. Excellent album, and come on, if the album can start with a song like Fill In The Blank, and reach a climax like in The Ballad of Costa Concordia and finish so easily with Joe Goes To College, that means Toledo and his band know something and they know how to do it.… Expand
  13. Platendraaier
    May 24, 2016
    8
    The many songs Will Toledo has written in recent years for his home recorded albums opened the way for his phenomenal studioalbum Teens of Denial. An album full of teenage problems, alcohol consumption and the pressures of modern society, combined with tight guitar riffs, estranged effects and a cutting brass section. The experience he gained in a few years as a writer he translates intoThe many songs Will Toledo has written in recent years for his home recorded albums opened the way for his phenomenal studioalbum Teens of Denial. An album full of teenage problems, alcohol consumption and the pressures of modern society, combined with tight guitar riffs, estranged effects and a cutting brass section. The experience he gained in a few years as a writer he translates into his humorous view of the world, in which always lurks a sense of vulnerability and depression. These are issues that are perfect for both his short and concise songs as the long stretched music sessions, wherein he incorporates his influences without shame. Teens of Denial makes Will therewith a conscious twenties, who maps out his route rather through the beaten paths, then the paths that push him close to the musical abyss. 8/10

    Full Review: https://www.platendraaier.nl/albumrecensies/car-seat-headrest-teens-of-denial/    … Expand
  14. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    8
    8.5
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  15. OPTrav
    May 28, 2016
    9
    My first Car Seat Headrest album and frankly I was not disappointed in the least. The masterful storytelling and genius instrumentation in this lo-fi album make it a joy to listen to.
  16. JulieinLA
    May 29, 2016
    9
    This album is lyrically and musically exciting. There may be imperfections, there may be some songs that feel too long, but I'm never, ever a bored by it. Intelligent, engaging, and thrilling indie.
  17. Ghostsearch
    Jul 4, 2016
    8
    Nice sounds, great lyrics and a very talented singer helped this album become one of the better records released in 2015. The first song on the album called "Fill In the Blank" instantly caught my attention the first time I heard it and has become one of my favorite songs since.
  18. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 24, 2021
    8
    This album is sure to be a classic in its retrospective views in the new decade. Great lyrics and great riffs, this band is a hidden gem every music listener should endure.
  19. nwfink
    May 12, 2021
    10
    I truly believe that this is a perfect. Every song is amazing, and you should definitely try to listen to this.
  20. deetsett
    Jun 22, 2022
    9
    Overall it sounds amazing. So many good songs, album goes so good until Connect the Dots. I don't understand why did they place this track after two great epic tracks that led into perfect ending for this album. It's not a bad song, but it's placement ruins album a little for me.
    Still one of the best records by Car Seat Headrest

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Album of 2016
56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2016
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Aug 11, 2016
    100
    It's a rare occasion of art transcending influence, with Toledo sounding like he's coming apart while doing it.
    Read full review
  2. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jul 22, 2016
    100
    Teens of Denial is a contender for album of the year, to say the least. It’s the rawest indie rock record since The Monitor.
    Read full review
  3. Record Collector
    Jun 20, 2016
    80
    On Teens Of Denial, Car Seat Headrest makes his case for being leader of the pack.
    Read full review
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