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High Violet

by The National

Released: January 03, 1900

Indie rock, post-punk revival

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"High Violet" explores themes of anxiety, alienation, and introspection, reflecting on personal and broader societal issues. "High Violet" is the fifth studio album by the American indie rock band The National, released on May 10, 2010, in Europe and May 11, 2010, in North America. The album showcases The National's signature sound, characterized by lush instrumentation and the deep, melancholic vocals of lead singer Matt Berninger.

Inside the Recording

It was recorded at the band's own studio in Brooklyn, New York, and at guitarist Aaron Dessner's house in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album is known for its rich orchestration…

The album is known for its rich orchestration and intricate arrangements, featuring prominent use of strings and brass that augment the band's traditional rock setup.

Key tracks include "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Terrible Love," and…

Key tracks include "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Terrible Love," and "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks," with "Bloodbuzz Ohio" becoming especially popular for its compelling lyrics and arrangement.

The album was supported by performances on prominent…

The album was supported by performances on prominent shows and tours, further solidifying The National's position in the indie rock scene.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The National - High Violet

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Then

Reception

It performed well commercially, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 and charting in several countries worldwide. "High Violet" is often regarded as a significant work in The National's discography, contributing to their reputation as one of the most critically respected bands of their era. Critically acclaimed, "High Violet" received praise for its depth and emotional resonance.

Now

Legacy

"High Violet" is often regarded as a significant work in The National's discography, contributing to their reputation as one of the most critically respected bands of their era.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"High Violet" is the fifth studio album by the American indie rock band The National, released on May 10, 2010, in Europe and May 11, 2010, in North America. It was recorded at the band's own studio in Brooklyn, New York, and at guitarist Aaron Dessner's house in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn.

The album showcases The National's signature sound, characterized by lush instrumentation and the deep, melancholic vocals of lead singer Matt Berninger. "High Violet" explores themes of anxiety, alienation, and introspection, reflecting on personal and broader societal issues. The album is known for its rich orchestration and intricate arrangements, featuring prominent use of strings and brass that augment the band's traditional rock setup.

Critically acclaimed, "High Violet" received praise for its depth and emotional resonance. It performed well commercially, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 and charting in several countries worldwide. Key tracks include "Bloodbuzz Ohio," "Terrible Love," and "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks," with "Bloodbuzz Ohio" becoming especially popular for its compelling lyrics and arrangement.

The album was supported by performances on prominent shows and tours, further solidifying The National's position in the indie rock scene. "High Violet" is often regarded as a significant work in The National's discography, contributing to their reputation as one of the most critically respected bands of their era.